These homemade pretzel bites are the perfect combination of crispy, golden exteriors with a soft and chewy inside. The simple biscuit dough transformation into warm, salty goodness makes them an irresistible snack for game days, parties, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like classic cheese sauce or spicy mustard, to elevate the experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick homemade snack, these pretzel bites are an easy and delicious choice that will have everyone reaching for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse salt, for topping
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water and let them cook for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush each piece with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or your favorite dip.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
The Story Behind the Recipe
Pretzels have a long and rich history, dating back to medieval Europe, where they were originally crafted by monks as a symbol of prayer. Over time, they became a beloved street food in Germany and eventually made their way to the United States, where soft pretzels are a staple in bakeries, stadiums, and fairs. These Soft and Chewy Pretzel Bites bring that same classic flavor and texture into a simple, homemade version that requires just a few ingredients and no special skills.
Unlike traditional pretzel dough, this recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough as a shortcut, making it incredibly easy to prepare while still delivering that signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust. The magic happens when the dough pieces take a quick dip in a baking soda bath before baking—this step gives them their signature color and chewiness, similar to classic German-style pretzels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: No need for yeast or long rising times. This recipe uses pre-made biscuit dough, making it perfect for beginners.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a game day, party, or an afternoon snack, these pretzel bites are always a hit.
✔ Customizable: Add different seasonings like garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning, or cinnamon sugar for variety.
✔ Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—just like a classic soft pretzel.
✔ Pairs Well with Dips: Cheese sauce, mustard, or even a sweet dip like caramel or Nutella make great accompaniments.
Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bites
- Use Cold Dough: Keeping the biscuit dough chilled helps maintain its structure when shaping and boiling.
- Baking Soda Bath is Essential: This step gives the pretzels their deep brown color and chewy texture—don’t skip it!
- Don’t Over-Boil: Only let the dough pieces sit in the baking soda bath for about 20-30 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing with egg wash before baking gives the bites a glossy, golden finish.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try topping them with sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
✔ No Yeast Required: Unlike classic pretzel recipes, which involve yeast and proofing time, this version uses refrigerated biscuit dough for a shortcut without sacrificing texture or flavor.
✔ Ready in 25 Minutes: No long waiting times—just boil, bake, and enjoy!
✔ Perfect for Dipping: These pretzel bites pair well with cheese sauce, mustard, ranch, or even chocolate!
✔ Great for Any Occasion: Whether you need an easy snack for kids, guests, or a solo treat, these pretzels are always a hit.
✔ Customizable Flavors: Want a sweeter version? Try rolling them in cinnamon sugar instead of adding salt!
How to Make Soft and Chewy Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is the shortcut that makes this recipe so quick!
- Baking soda: Essential for creating that classic pretzel texture and flavor.
- Egg wash: Gives the bites a shiny, golden crust.
- Coarse salt: A must-have for the signature pretzel taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cut the Dough: Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 4-6 bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Boil the Pretzel Bites:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and slowly add 1/4 cup baking soda.
- Drop the dough pieces into the water and let them boil for 20-30 seconds.
- Remove using a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4️⃣ Brush & Season:
- Lightly brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and delicious.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Best Dipping Sauces for Pretzel Bites
One of the best things about homemade pretzel bites is that they taste amazing with so many different dips. Here are some of the best options:
🥨 Classic Cheese Sauce: Melted cheddar with a touch of Dijon mustard and garlic powder.
🥨 Spicy Mustard: A mix of Dijon and yellow mustard with a splash of honey.
🥨 Garlic Butter: Melted butter with minced garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
🥨 Ranch Dressing: A cool, herby dip that balances out the saltiness.
🥨 Chocolate Sauce: For a sweet version, dip in warm, melted chocolate!
Pro Tips for the Best Pretzel Bites
✅ Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath – This step is crucial for that chewy texture and deep golden color. If you skip it, your pretzel bites will taste more like regular bread.
✅ Use a Slotted Spoon – When removing the pretzel bites from the water bath, use a slotted spoon to let excess water drip off.
✅ Experiment with Toppings – Instead of just salt, try sprinkling sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or shredded cheese on top before baking.
✅ Want a Sweet Version? – After baking, brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar for a dessert-style pretzel bite.
✅ Make-Ahead Tip – You can prepare the pretzel bites up to the boiling step and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
How to Store & Reheat Pretzel Bites
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), here’s how to store them:
- At Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- In the Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended—pretzel bites may turn soggy.
Fun Variations to Try
👩🍳 Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites: Brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
🍯 Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: Coat in butter, then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet treat.
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Pretzel Bites: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the dough before baking for a spicy twist.
🧀 Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Insert a small cube of cheese into each dough piece before boiling and baking.
🍕 Pizza Pretzel Bites: Top with melted mozzarella and a drizzle of marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these with homemade dough?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a from-scratch approach, use a classic yeast-based pretzel dough.
Q: Can I skip the baking soda bath?
A: No, this step is what gives pretzels their chewy texture and deep golden-brown color.
Q: How do I keep pretzel bites soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Q: Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a crispy and chewy texture.
Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Pretzel Bites are the perfect snack for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game-day spread, or just craving a delicious homemade treat, this recipe is a must-try. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you’ll love how easy it is to make bakery-quality pretzels in just 25 minutes!
Enjoy them warm, dip them in your favorite sauces, and get creative with different flavors. Happy baking! 🥨✨