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Easy Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe

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These everything bagel soft pretzel bites are golden, chewy, and packed with savory everything seasoning. They’re the perfect party snack, easy to make from scratch, and vanish in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
  • ½ cup (100 g) baking soda
  • 34 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes (or 4-5 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
  4. First Rise (Shortcut Version): Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, covered with a clean kitchen towel. For a traditional texture, let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water. Bring to a rolling boil, then carefully add the ½ cup of baking soda. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  7. Shape the Pretzel Bites: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (about 20-24 pieces per rope).
  8. Boil the Bites: Working in batches of 8-10 pieces, drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  9. Season the Bites: While still wet from the bath, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Press gently to adhere.
  10. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed.
  11. Finish with Butter: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the hot pretzel bites generously with melted butter. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

The baking soda bath is essential for the classic pretzel crust. Don’t skip it. Work quickly with the seasoning while the bites are still wet. For a cheesy version, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside the dough before rolling. For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: everything bagel, soft pretzel bites, game day snack, party food, homemade pretzels, easy appetizer