Easy Superbowl Apps: Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

Looking for Superbowl apps easy comfort food for kids? These soft pretzel bites deliver that perfect mall-style chew with a golden crust. After testing 6 batches, I found the key: a quick baking soda bath creates that distinctive pretzel shine and flavor.

These two-bite snacks vanish fast at parties. The dough comes together in 10 minutes, then it’s mostly hands-off time while it rises. Pair them with the included cheese sauce for pure comfort food magic – just like our cheesy rice recipe.

At-a-Glance

• Prep Time: 2 hours (includes 1-hour rise)
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 80 pretzel bites (10 servings)
• Difficulty: Medium
• Perfect for: Game day, kids’ parties, snacking

Why This Works

• Quick baking soda bath creates that classic pretzel crust
• Stand mixer does the heavy lifting – no hand kneading needed
• Bite-size shape means faster cooking and perfect portions
• Make-ahead friendly: Shape, boil, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking

Ingredients & Smart Swaps

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (swap: white sugar)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

For Boiling & Finishing:

• 3 quarts water
• 1/3 cup baking soda (non-negotiable – don’t skip!)
• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt

For Cheese Sauce:

• 1/2 tablespoon each butter and flour
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk best, 2% works)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar (like our cheesy hamburger potato soup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix dough: Combine warm water, sugar, yeast, and melted butter in stand mixer bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt and 4 1/2 cups flour. Mix with dough hook until smooth, 3-4 minutes.
2. First rise: Transfer to oiled bowl, cover, let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Prep: Heat oven to 425°F. Bring water and baking soda to boil (use large pot – it foams!).
4. Shape: Divide dough into 8 ropes (22 inches each). Cut into 1-inch bites.
5. Boil: Drop 15 bites at a time into baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon.
6. Bake: Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt. Bake 15-18 minutes until deep golden brown.
7. Make sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour (1 minute). Add milk, simmer until thick. Off heat, stir in cheese until smooth.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

• Water too hot? Yeast dies. Use 110-115°F water – feels warm, not hot
• Sticky dough? Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time
• Tough pretzels? Don’t skip the rise time
• Pale color? Egg wash must coat all surfaces
• Grainy cheese sauce? Remove from heat before adding cheese

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store cooled pretzels in airtight container 2 days. Freeze up to 1 month. Reheat frozen bites at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Cheese sauce keeps 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently, whisking in splash of milk. Just like our creamy Tuscan chicken soup, don’t microwave – it separates.

Variations

• Everything Bagel: Top with everything seasoning pre-bake
• Cinnamon Sugar: Skip salt, toss warm bites in cinnamon-sugar mix
• Garlic Parmesan: Brush with garlic butter, top with cheese post-bake
• Pizza Style: Top with Italian seasoning, serve with marinara like our ultimate potato soup

FAQ

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes. Mix with wooden spoon, then hand knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why are my pretzels dense?

Either the dough didn’t rise fully (check yeast freshness) or it was over-kneaded. Stop mixing when dough is smooth and pulls from bowl sides.

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

Shape and boil up to 24 hours ahead. Cover, refrigerate, then egg wash and bake fresh.

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Easy Superbowl Apps: Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites

These homemade soft pretzel bites have a golden crust and classic chewy texture, making them a perfect snack for game day or kids’ parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 1/2 cups warm water 110-115°F
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar can swap for white sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 ounces unsalted butter melted
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 quarts water for boiling
• 1/3 cup baking soda non-negotiable – don’t skip!
• 1 each egg for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
• coarse sea salt to sprinkle
• 1/2 tablespoon butter for cheese sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon flour for cheese sauce
• 1/2 cup milk whole milk recommended
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Combine warm water, sugar, yeast, and melted butter in stand mixer bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
• Transfer to oiled bowl, cover, let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
• Heat oven to 425°F. Bring water and baking soda to boil in a large pot.
• Divide dough into 8 ropes (22 inches each) and cut into 1-inch bites.
• Drop 15 bites at a time into boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon.
• Place pretzel bites on greased baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes until deep golden brown.
• Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour for 1 minute. Add milk, simmer until thick. Off heat, stir in cheese until smooth.

Keyword easy, game day, homemade, Pretzel, snack