Day 25: Soft Pretzel Bites

A couple weeks ago we were visiting my sister and her husband and decided to go out to dinner to Mellow Mushroom, a favorite pizza joint.  It was pretty busy in there that night, so we ordered some appetizers:  2 different kinds of soft pretzels.  They were good, but I hated having to pull apart a small portion of a big pretzel every time I wanted a little taste.  So, I decided to recreate these, but on a smaller scale.  I present to you homemade soft pretzel bites, 3 different ways:  salted, Parmesan cheese, and cinnamon/sugar.

I was shocked at how EASY it is to make soft pretzels!  They do require yeast, but there is no rising time or even a ton of kneading and rolling out the dough.  Basically, you mix the ingredients together, shape it as you want, bake, and 'accessorize'.  These would make fantastic appetizers for a football game, after school snacks, or as an addition to your family movie night.  Enjoy!

Soft Pretzel Bites
Printable Version

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 package yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 425F.  Measure warm water into medium mixing bowl.  Sprinkle yeast into water and stir until dissolved.  Add salt, sugar and flour.  Mix until well combined.

Knead on a floured surface until easy to handle and not sticky.

Shape into logs with your hands.

Cut into small rectangles.

Place on greased cookie sheet.

Brush with beaten egg.

Bake for 11-15 minutes, until golden brown.

For Parmesan Bites:
Dip top of bites into melted butter.

Then, dip into cheese.

Serve with marinara sauce

For Salted Bites:
Dip top of bites into water.

  Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Serve with honey mustard dressing.

For Cinnamon Sugar Bites:
Mix together 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.  Dip top of bites into melted butter.

Then, dip into cinnamon sugar mixture.

Best if served warm.


source: church cookbook, Leanna's recipe for soft pretzels.  Toppings were my idea, inspired by Mellow Mushroom.

Linking to:
Strictly Homemade