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Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 large pretzels or 30 pretzel bites 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites offer a warm, tender snack that is perfectly golden outside with a soft inside, infused with rich plant-based buttery flavor. Ideal for sharing or a comforting treat, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and includes options for savory and sweet variations. Easy to make and highly customizable, these pretzels bring cozy indulgence to any snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (for dough)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons plant-based butter, softened

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Topping and Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons plant-based butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar into the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, natural gelling agent, and coarse sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and softened plant-based butter. Mix until the dough begins to form, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
  4. Shape the pretzels and pretzel bites: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into portions. Roll each into long ropes and shape into traditional pretzels or cut into bite-sized pieces for pretzel bites.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully dip each shaped pretzel or bite into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds to create the signature chewy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, then bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and glossy.
  7. Brush with buttery glaze: While the pretzels are still warm, generously brush with melted plant-based butter mixed with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for a rich, shiny finish.

Notes

  • Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to keep the pretzels soft and chewy, not dense.
  • Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment for best results.
  • Do not skip or shorten the baking soda bath; it is essential for classic pretzel texture and color.
  • Apply the butter glaze immediately after baking to maximize flavor and shine.
  • Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously for bursts of salty crunch that enhance every bite.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel or 4 pretzel bites
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Soft pretzels, plant-based, vegan pretzels, snack, appetizer, buttery pretzels, pretzel bites, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/buttery-soft-pretzels-and-pretzel-bites/