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Kima

Soft Pretzel Bites

These Soft Pretzel Bites are chewy on the inside, golden on the outside, and made with Kodiak Cakes mix for an easy twist on homemade pretzels. Finished with egg wash and coarse sea salt, they are perfect for dipping in cheese sauce or honey mustard.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 216
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Dough
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 packet active dry or instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 4-5 cups Kodiak Cakes mix add gradually, using only as much as needed to form a soft, non-sticky dough
Pretzel Topping
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Baking Soda Water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 9 cups water
For Preparing the Bowl
  • nonstick cooking spray as needed
Optional for Serving
  • cheese sauce for dipping
  • honey mustard sauce for dipping

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Stand mixer with dough hook, optional
  • 2 baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Chef's knife or bench scraper

Method
 

Prepare the Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the Pretzel Dough
  1. Add the yeast to 1 1/2 cups warm water and stir well. Let the mixture sit for approximately 1 minute.
  2. Add the salt, brown sugar, and melted cooled butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
  3. Add 4 cups Kodiak Cakes mix, 1 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms.
  4. Add additional Kodiak Cakes mix a little at a time, if needed, until the dough is soft but no longer overly sticky. A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook may be used instead of mixing by hand.
Knead and Rest
  1. Lightly dust the work surface with Kodiak Cakes mix and transfer the dough to the surface.
  2. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes, then shape it into a ball.
  3. Lightly coat a mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough ball in the bowl, cover, and let it rest in a warm area for approximately 10 minutes.
Shape the Pretzel Bites
  1. Divide the dough into 6 equal sections.
  2. Roll each section into a rope, then cut the ropes into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces to form bite-sized pretzels.
Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
  1. Combine 9 cups water and 1/2 cup baking soda in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Working in small batches, carefully add approximately 6 pretzel bites to the boiling water.
  3. Boil for approximately 10 seconds, then remove the pretzel bites with a slotted spoon and allow excess water to drain off.
  4. Transfer the boiled pretzel bites to the parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between each piece. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Add the Topping
  1. Beat the egg in a small bowl with a fork.
  2. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake
  1. Bake for 10-15 minutes per batch, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
  2. For an extra-crispy exterior, optionally broil the pretzel bites for up to 3 minutes after baking. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Serve
  1. Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and serve warm with cheese sauce or honey mustard for dipping.

Notes

  • Kodiak Cakes mix: Begin with 4 cups and gradually add more only as needed. The dough should be soft and manageable rather than dry or stiff.
  • Kneading: Knead for approximately 3-4 minutes before allowing the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Baking soda bath: Boil the pretzel bites for only about 10 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon.
  • Batch baking: Depending on the size of the baking sheets and the amount of dough, the pretzel bites may need to bake in multiple batches.
  • Optional broil: Broiling for up to 3 minutes can create a darker, crispier exterior, but watch carefully because the pretzel bites can brown quickly.
  • Serving: Serve warm with cheese sauce, honey mustard, or another favorite dipping sauce.
  • Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat briefly in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warm.