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How to Make Soft & Chewy Sourdough Pretzel Bites at Home

How to Make Soft & Chewy Sourdough Pretzel Bites at Home

Learn how to make soft and chewy sourdough discard pretzel bites at home that will impress your guests with their golden crust and fluffy interior.
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Prep Time 12 hours 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Second Rise 1 hour
Total Time 12 hours 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 pretzel bites
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • baking sheet
  • Pot
  • kitchen towel

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup sourdough starter active and bubbly
  • 1 cup room-temperature water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Boiling Ingredients

  • 9 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Coarse sea salt optional but recommended

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sourdough starter, water, honey, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed using the dough hook for 10–15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 8 to 12 hours in a warm spot.
  • Shape the Bites: After the dough has doubled, divide it into 6 portions and roll each into a 15-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Second Rise: Cover the shaped bites with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 1 hour.
  • Prepare the Water Bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F and bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and brown sugar carefully.
  • Boil the Pretzel Bites: Boil each batch of bites for 15–20 seconds, then remove and let excess water drip off.
  • Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake: Bake the bites in the oven for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Using an active sourdough starter is essential for flavor and rise. Overnight rising is recommended for maximum flavor development. Make sure to boil the pretzel bites in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Serving: 3pretzel bitesCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword chewy pretzels, homemade pretzels, pretzel bites, Snack, sourdough, Vegetarian
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