Pizza Pretzel Bites

Make sure to check your pantry before heading out—many of these ingredients are staples you might already have on hand!

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start, ensure you have the following equipment ready:

• Mixing bowl: For combining your dough ingredients.
• Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
• Baking sheet: For baking your pretzel bites.
• Pot: To boil the baking soda solution.
• Whisk: For mixing the egg wash.
• Knife: To cut the dough into bite-sized pieces.

Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process and make the experience even more enjoyable.

Pizza Pretzel Bites Made Stepwise

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making the Pizza Pretzel Bites! Follow these simple steps for delicious results.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and light brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise!

Step 2: Add Butter and Salt

Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted butter and kosher salt to the mixture. Stir gently until combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. If the dough is too sticky, continue adding flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains soft. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, then stir in the baking soda carefully—this will create a bubbly reaction!

Step 6: Shape the Bites

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small sections. Flatten each piece and place a few pieces of pepperoni and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over to seal the filling inside and roll it into a ball.

Step 7: Boil the Bites

Drop each dough ball into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Salt

Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. This gives them that beautiful golden color and savory flavor.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Pizza Pretzel Bites cool slightly before serving. Pair them with warm pizza sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time!

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

If you’re looking to modify this recipe for dietary preferences, consider these swaps:

• Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead.
• Pepperoni: Substitute with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or vegan pepperoni.
• Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan option.
• Egg Wash: Brush with a mixture of plant-based milk and a dash of oil instead of the egg wash.

These substitutions will still yield delicious results while catering to different diets!

Steer Clear of These

To ensure your Pizza Pretzel Bites turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using cold water for the yeast activation, as this can kill the yeast.
• Adding too much flour at once; add gradually and only until the dough is manageable.
• Skipping the boiling step, as this is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture.
• Overbaking; keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

Store the Pizza Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

Can I use different fillings for the pretzel bites?

Yes! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Other great options include diced vegetables, cooked sausage, or even a sweet version with chocolate or cinnamon sugar.

What if I don’t have kosher salt?

You can substitute kosher salt with regular table salt, but use a little less since table salt is finer and more concentrated. Adjust according to taste!

Can I bake these without boiling them first?

Boiling is a key step for achieving that classic pretzel texture. Skipping it will result in a different texture, so I highly recommend not omitting this step.

In Closing

These Pizza Pretzel Bites are the ultimate snack for pizza lovers and pretzel enthusiasts alike. With their soft and chewy texture, cheesy filling, and that delicious savory crust, they are perfect for sharing—or not! The best part is that you can customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

You’ll soon find yourself making these Pizza Pretzel Bites a regular feature at your gatherings, or perhaps just a delightful treat for yourself on a cozy evening at home. Enjoy every cheesy, doughy bite!

Pizza Pretzel Bites

These Pizza Pretzel Bites are irresistibly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for game day or a cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3 ounces unsalted butter melted
• 2.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
• Canola oil (for greasing)
• Pepperoni slices cut into small pieces
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 5 quarts water
• 3/4 cup baking soda
• 1 whole egg beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water
• Coarse sea salt
• Pizza sauce (for serving)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Kitchen towel
• Baking sheet
• Pot
• Whisk
• Knife

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and light brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted butter and kosher salt to the mixture. Stir gently until combined.
3. Gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, then stir in the baking soda carefully.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small sections. Flatten each piece and place a few pieces of pepperoni and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over to seal the filling inside and roll it into a ball.
7. Drop each dough ball into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
9. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
10. Let the Pizza Pretzel Bites cool slightly before serving. Pair them with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

• These bites can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven for a few minutes for best results.