Growing Chefs! Ontario Soft Pretzel Bites

Soft Pretzel Bites

Pretzels take on their traditional dark golden brown colour by being boiled in an alkaline solution, such as lye or baking soda, and then baked. You can use this recipe to make larger soft pretzels as well, but we like pretzel bites which are perfect for dipping!
Difficulty
Intermediate
Yield
Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk1 tablespoon brown sugar2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus extra for sprinkling1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry yeast4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed2 tablespoons melted butter9 cups water1/2 cup baking soda1 egg
Equipment
Measuring spoonsMeasuring cupsMixing bowls of various sizesWooden spoonSpatulaStand mixer with dough hook attachmentThermometerBaking sheetParchment paperPastry brushLarge potSlotted spoonWhiskSmall potDish towel

Get Organized!

Gather your mise en place; get together all of the equipment needed for the recipe and gather your ingredients.

Get Prepped!

In a small pot, heat milk to no more than 110°F. Whisk together the milk, brown sugar, salt and yeast. Leave for 5 minutes.

Melt the butter. Measure out the flour.

Add the melted butter and milk mixture with the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Miz together on speed 2 for about 4 – 5 minutes, until a smooth dough is formed. If needed, add a bit of additional flour.

Transfer the dough to a bowl rubbed with a small amount of oil, and let sit covered for about 20- 30 minutes until dough has doubled in size.

Get Cooking!

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

To prepare the alkaline solution, combine the water and baking soda in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.

To form the pretzel bites, take pieces of the dough about the size of your hand. Roll them into a log about 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut them into 1 inch pieces, and carefully drop them into the boiling water. Once they have boiled for about 30 seconds, carefully remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on the baking sheet. Continue this process with the remaining dough.

Mix together egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the top of the pretzels with the egg. Lightly sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for about 12 – 15 minutes until dark golden brown and cooked through.