There’s a certain joy found in the simple act of baking, especially when it leads to creations that bring everyone together. Picture this: the warm scent of freshly baked dough fills your kitchen, drawing family and friends into the heart of your home. Enter the Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites—small, deceptively easy delights that combine the beloved flavors of everything bagels with the chewiness of soft pretzels.
I discovered this recipe during a lazy Sunday afternoon, when I wanted to switch things up from our usual snacks without spending hours in the kitchen. The result? A batch of golden bites that are crisp on the outside and soft in the center, perfect for snacking or dipping. Whether you’re planning a game night or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these pretzel bites are sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your home smell irresistible!
Why are Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites irresistible?
Irresistible Flavors: The blend of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion in everything bagel seasoning creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste.
Perfect Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast of a crisp golden crust with a warm, chewy interior that satiates your snack cravings.
Quick and Easy: These bites come together effortlessly, making them perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them at parties or game nights, and watch as they disappear in a flash—everyone loves a delicious, shareable snack!
Versatile Treat: Whether you pair them with mustard or a creamy dip, these pretzel bites adapt perfectly to any flavor profile.
Discover just how satisfying homemade pretzels can be with this delightful recipe!
Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites Ingredients
For the Dough
- Warm Water – Activates yeast; use water between 105°F–115°F for optimal yeast activation.
- Active Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons) – Acts as the leavening agent for dough; ensure yeast is fresh for proper rise.
- Pure Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon) – Provides food for yeast to promote fermentation; can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, plus more as needed) – Gives structure to the pretzel bites; different brands may absorb water differently, adjust as needed.
- Grapeseed Oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for brushing) – Adds moisture and helps in kneading; can use any high-heat oil like canola or avocado.
- Fine Sea Salt (1 tablespoon) – Enhances flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
For Boiling
- Water (5 cups) – Essential for boiling dough before baking, contributing to the pretzel-like texture.
- Baking Soda (⅓ cup) – Creates the boiling solution to achieve that iconic pretzel crust.
For the Topping
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (¼ cup) – Adds flavor and garnish; you can mix your own blend with sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create your delightful Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites that will leave everyone wanting more!
How to Make Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites
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Prepare the Yeast: In a medium bowl, whisk together warm water, active yeast, and maple syrup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is activated.
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Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and grapeseed oil. Knead for about 8 minutes, either by hand or using a mixer, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Boil the Water: While the dough is rising, bring 5 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil in a saucepan, creating your boiling solution for the pretzels.
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Shape the Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 1-inch thick ropes and cut them into 1-inch segments.
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Boil the Bites: Carefully drop each dough piece into the boiling baking soda water for 45 seconds to 1 minute. This step is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture. Remove them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with a little grapeseed oil, then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning for that distinctive flavor.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the pretzel bites for 8 to 14 minutes, or until they turn deep golden brown.
Optional: Serve with your favorite mustard or dip for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites
Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful flavor and texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to reheat before snacking to bring back their chewy goodness.
Freezer: Freeze pretzel bites after they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat frozen bites in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, allowing them to regain their soft, chewy texture.
What to Serve with Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites?
These delightful pretzel bites are perfect for elevating your snack game during gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
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Creamy Mustard Dip: A tangy mustard dip complements the savory flavors of the pretzel bites, enhancing each bite. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
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Cheesy Nut-Based Dip: For a rich, vegan-friendly pairing, serve with a creamy nut cheese dip. The smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the chewiest of pretzels.
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Hummus with Herbs: Flavorful hummus adds a refreshing element and is perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean flair. Its creaminess pairs well with the everything bagel seasoning.
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Fresh Veggies: Pair with crunchy, sliced bell peppers or carrots for a fresh crunch that balances the warm, chewy texture of the pretzel bites.
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Apple Slices: For something sweet, serve with crisp apple slices. They provide a delightful contrast to the savory pretzel bites and add a burst of freshness.
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Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon elevates the entire experience, refreshing your palate between bites.
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Craft Beer: Complement the salty, savory flavors with a nicely brewed craft beer. The beer’s effervescent quality matches the snack’s lightness, creating a truly enjoyable pairing.
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Chocolate Dessert: If you have a sweet tooth, follow up these pretzel bites with some warm chocolate brownies. The richness of chocolate is a decadent finish to this savory snack journey!
Enjoy crafting a spread that turns these enticing Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites into a full-fledged feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps of the recipe: mixing the yeast, combining it with flour, and allowing the dough to rise. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When ready to bake, take the dough out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then shape, boil, and bake as directed. This method ensures your pretzel bites are just as delicious and fresh, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites
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Fresh Yeast Matters: Ensure that your active yeast is within its expiration date and the water temperature is just right (105°F–115°F) to guarantee proper dough rise.
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Avoid Sticky Dough: If your dough feels overly sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour as needed. It should be smooth and elastic, not tacky.
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Boiling is Essential: Never skip the boiling step! This process is vital for achieving that classic pretzel crust that makes your Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites unique and delightful.
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Perfect Timing: Keep a close eye on your pretzel bites in the oven after 8 minutes of baking; they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overbaked.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with your choice of seasoning! Mixing in garlic salt or Italian herbs can add a fresh twist to the Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites.
Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites Variations
Feel free to make these bites your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
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Vegan: Swap the maple syrup for agave or leave it out for an extra low-calorie bite, still packed with flavor.
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Seasoned Twist: Use garlic powder or Italian herbs in place of everything bagel seasoning for a unique taste with a Mediterranean flair.
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Herbed Pretzels: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant surprise.
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Sweet Flavor: Add cinnamon and sugar to a portion of the dough for a sweet variation, perfect for dipping in cream cheese frosting.
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Cheesy Goodness: Mix in nutritional yeast or shredded vegan cheese into the dough for a cheesy version full of umami.
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Hot & Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the dough for a zesty kick that’ll heat things up.
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Fruity Twist: Incorporate fall flavors by adding pumpkin puree into the dough—perfect for a seasonal snack that awakes cozy vibes.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft bite.
Experiment and enjoy the endless possibilities that make these Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites uniquely yours!
Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my yeast is fresh?
To test if your yeast is fresh, simply mix it with warm water (between 105°F–115°F) and a teaspoon of sugar. If it becomes foamy within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use. If there’s no foam, it may be time to buy a new packet.
How should I store my leftover pretzel bites?
Store your Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them cool and airy, they can also be refrigerated for up to a week. Just reheat them briefly before enjoying to reinvigorate that chewy texture!
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! After the first rise of your pretzel dough, you can divide it into pieces, shape them, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped dough in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and proceed with the boiling and baking steps.
What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t fret! Just sprinkle in small amounts of flour, kneading it in until you reach a smooth, elastic texture. It’s a great reminder that different flour brands can absorb water differently!
Are these pretzel bites suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Unfortunately, these Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites are not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for yeast recipes as a substitute. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, especially baking soda and seasonings, are gluten-free.
What can I use as alternatives for the everything bagel seasoning?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, don’t worry! You can create your own blend using equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and onion flakes. Alternatively, consider using other seasonings, like garlic salt or Italian herbs, for a delightful twist!
Everything Bagel Soft Pretzel Bites – Snack Your Heart Out
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together warm water, active yeast, and maple syrup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and grapeseed oil, knead for about 8 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, turn onto a floured surface, divide into 5 pieces, roll into ropes, and cut into segments.
- Carefully drop each piece into the boiling water for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with grapeseed oil and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and bake for 8 to 14 minutes until golden brown.