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Quick and Delicious Mini Pretzel Bites Appetizer

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites:

  • Active dry yeast: 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) – helps the dough rise.
  • Warm water: 1 1/2 cups (360ml) – to activate the yeast.
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon – feeds the yeast.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon – flavors the dough.
  • All-purpose flour: 4 to 4 1/2 cups (500-562g) – the base of the dough.
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g), melted – adds richness to the dough.
  • Baking soda: 2/3 cup (90g) – for boiling the bites, creating the classic pretzel texture and flavor.
  • Water: 10 cups (2.4 liters) – for the baking soda bath.
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt: For sprinkling – adds texture and flavor.

For Dipping Sauces (Optional):

  • Mustard Sauce: Mix equal parts of mustard and honey for a sweet and tangy dip.
  • Cheese Sauce: Melt together cheddar cheese, a bit of milk, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a creamy dip.
  • Garlic Parmesan Butter: Melt butter with minced garlic, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation:
    • In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
    • Add salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  2. Form the Pretzel Bites:
    • Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small pieces, rolling each into a ball to form mini pretzel bites.
  3. Baking Soda Bath:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).
    • Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds each, removing them with a slotted spoon and placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake:
    • Sprinkle the boiled pretzel bites with coarse salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. Prepare Dipping Sauces (Optional):
    • While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare your chosen dipping sauces.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the mini pretzel bites warm with the dipping sauces on the side.
  • Author: Maria