This post may contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.
These little pretzel pillows make a fabulous game day snack with mustard or chocolate sauce for dipping. They’re the ultimate snack for sharing—warm, chewy, and just a little salty. They’re perfect for game day, movie night, or any casual get-together.
These bite-sized pretzels are easy to make with pantry staples and bake up beautifully golden. Dip them in mustard or cheese sauce for a savory snack, or drizzle with chocolate or caramel for a sweet twist.
What You’ll Like About These Pretzel Bites
Chewy and soft. That signature pretzel texture with a golden crust and tender interior. Great for dipping. Perfect with mustard, beer cheese, or even caramel sauce. Make-ahead friendly. The dough can rest in the fridge overnight for next-day baking.Ingredient Notes
- Flour: Use a mix of all-purpose and bread flour for extra chew.
- Malt syrup or honey: Optional but gives an authentic pretzel flavor.
- Baking soda bath: Essential for color and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Toppings: Coarse salt for savory, or butter and cinnamon sugar for sweet.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites
- Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar, then add the melted butter, flour, and salt to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then divide and roll it into ropes.
- Cut the ropes into small bite-sized pieces and briefly boil them in a baking soda bath.
- Transfer to baking sheets, sprinkle with salt, and bake until deep golden brown.
- Brush the warm pretzel bites with melted butter and serve with your favorite dip.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or aioli.
- Pair sweet bites with caramel, chocolate, or cream cheese dip.
- Add them to an appetizer spread for parties or game nights.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer until refreshed.
Soft Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites that are perfect for game day, parties, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water, about 110 F
- 1 pkt active dry yeast, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- Butter or oil, for greasing the bowl
- 2 to 3 quarts water for water bath
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. It should be slightly foamy.1 cup warm water | 1 pkt active dry yeast | 2 tsp granulated sugar
- Add the flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix slowly by hand or with the dough hook until dough holds together. Knead by hand on a floured surface or with the stand mixer and the dough hook on medium-low speed for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking to the hands, counter, or bowl.3 tbsp melted butter | 3 cups all-purpose flour | 1 tsp salt
- The dough should be firm but still slightly moist and tacky to the touch.
- Oil (or butter) a large bowl. Gather the dough into a ball and place it in the oiled bowl. Turn the dough over so all sides are coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.Butter or oil
- Combine the water and baking soda in a large saucepan and stir to blend. Just before the dough is finished proofing, bring the water and soda mixture to a boil.2 to 3 quarts water for water bath | 2/3 cup baking soda
- Heat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 4 or 5 portions and roll them to make thick ropes. Cut the ropes into 1-inch lengths. Place them on the parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Lower several of the dough pieces into the boiling water and soda mixture with a slotted spoon. Let them boil for about 20 seconds, then lift them out and return them to the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Sprinkle the pieces lightly with coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt.coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Nutrition
Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 22IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.4mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
