Homemade sourdough pretzel bites are definitely a good addition to for your recipe box. The are a treat for both kids and adults alike. The deep brown crust, the soft and chewy center, and that sprinkle of salt on top make them quite irresistible.
These sourdough pretzel bites are the perfect way to use active starter and create an easy to share snack. They work just as well for a family movie night as they do for a holiday gathering or church potluck. Simple ingredients and a little patience are all you need.
If you’ve never made homemade pretzels before, don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process so you can confidently create soft, bakery-style sourdough pretzel bites right at home. They were a lot easier to make than I realized.
Easy Sourdough Pretzel Bites
These sourdough pretzel bites are the perfect way to use active starter while creating something fun and shareable. They work just as well for a family movie night as they do for a holiday gathering or church potluck. Simple ingredients and a little patience are all you need.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1/2c - 100g sourdough starter
- 1 c - 230g water
- 1 T honey
- 1 t salt
- 3 1/2 c - 450g flour
- For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 4 c water
- 1/4 c baking soda
- For Topping:
- Salt
- 1 Egg, for egg wash
Instructions
Add all the ingredients into a stand mixer bowl and knead on low for 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl and let rise 6-8 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled is size. (For the colder months, pace in the dough in the oven with the oven light on to recreate a warm environment. This will speed up the rising process.)
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Boil 3 cups of water in a kettle and pour into to a large bowl. Add 1/4c baking soda and stir it until it dissolves.
Drop pretzel bites into the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
Brush the tops with egg wash.
Sprinkle with salt.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
Brush with butter or oil and cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Pretzel Bites
Sourdough pretzel bites have that classic chewy exterior thanks to the baking soda bath, but the natural fermentation allows you make to a cleaner version than with traditional yeast. They are soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and wonderfully satisfying.
They are also incredibly versatile. You can keep them classic with salt, toss them in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat, or top them with cheese for a savory twist. Once you make them once, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Ingredients
For the Dough
1/2 cup sourdough starter (100g)
1 cup water (230g)
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups flour (450g)
For the Baking Soda Bath
4 cups water
1/4 cup baking soda
For Topping
salt
1 Egg, for egg wash
How to Make Sourdough Pretzel Bites
1. Mix and Knead the Dough
Add the sourdough starter, water, honey, salt, and flour into the bowl of a stand mixer. Knead on low speed for 15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 6-8 hours at room temperature, or until doubled in size.
During colder months, place the covered bowl in the oven with the oven light on to create a warmer environment. This simple trick helps speed up fermentation without overheating the dough.
3. Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut each rope into bite-sized pieces.
The Baking Soda Bath (The Secret to That Classic Pretzel Texture)
Boil 3-4 cups of water in a kettle and pour into a large bowl. I like to use my mixing bowl since it’s stainless steels. Stir in 1/4 cup baking soda until dissolved.
Drop the pretzel bites into the baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds. This step is essential — it gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and deep golden color.
Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt.
Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown.
Once out of the oven, brush with melted butter or oil if desired. Allow them to cool slightly before serving — though they are best enjoyed warm.
Optional Add-Ons and Flavor Variations
These sourdough pretzel bites are easy to customize depending on the occasion.
- For a classic finish, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
- For a sweet version, skip the salt and toss warm pretzel bites in cinnamon sugar.
- For a savory twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Serve alongside warm cheese sauce or honey mustard for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Homemade sourdough pretzel bites are one of those simple recipes that feel special every time you make them. They are practical enough for everyday baking but festive enough for holidays and gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and your faithful sourdough starter, you can create soft, chewy pretzel bites that the whole family loves.
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