Soft, chewy, and irresistibly golden, these Twisted Soft Pretzel Bites are a bite-sized twist on a classic favorite. With a crisp exterior and a tender, pillowy center, each piece is brushed with buttery goodness and sprinkled with coarse salt for that perfect savory crunch. Ready in just 27 minutes, they’re an easy treat to whip up for game day, parties, or a cozy snack.
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, these bites are a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with tangy mustard or creamy cheese dip. The aroma of freshly baked pretzels will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a bite before they cool. Whether you’re sharing or savoring solo, these bites are a delicious way to bring a little joy to your day.
Ingredients for Twisted Soft Pretzel Bites
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
- Flour (enough to lightly flour your work surface)
- 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust (or homemade pizza dough as a substitute)
- 5 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda (for the boiling water bath)
- 1 egg, slightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (or sea salt for sprinkling)
- 1 (10 ounce) jar queso dip, heated (or any dip of your choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 3 x ½-inch strips.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Using your hands, roll each strip into a rope about 5 inches long. Tie each rope into a knot and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Boil the water: In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of water and ⅓ cup baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the dough knots: Carefully drop 6 dough knots at a time into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, or until they look slightly puffy and dimpled. Use a slotted spoon to remove the knots and place them back on the baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
- Add the finishing touches: Brush each knot with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse kosher salt.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are well browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with heated queso dip or your favorite dipping sauce.
Dip It Right: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While warm queso dip is a classic pairing, these pretzel bites are versatile enough to shine with other dips too! Try spicy mustard, cheddar beer cheese, or even a sweet cinnamon glaze for dessert-style bites. For toppings, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, garlic Parmesan, or cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These pretzel bites are perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy snack. Serve them alongside crudités, charcuterie boards, or mini sliders for a crowd-pleasing spread. For a fun twist, set up a dip bar with multiple sauces and let guests customize their bites!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best results, brush with a little water before reheating to keep them soft.
Quick Tricks: Time-Saving Tips
Short on time? Skip the boiling step and bake the knots directly for a quicker version—they’ll still be delicious! Alternatively, prep the dough knots ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to boil and bake. Use a pizza cutter to speed up cutting the dough strips evenly.
Pretzel Perfection: Common Questions
Can I use homemade dough? Absolutely! Swap the refrigerated pizza crust for your favorite homemade dough. Why boil the dough? Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden crust. Can I freeze them? Yes! Freeze baked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from the freezer for a quick snack.
Twisted Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- non stick cooking spray
- flour, (enough to lightly flour surface)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza crust (13.8 ounce)
- 5 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 jar queso dip, heated (10 ounce)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450 degrees.
- Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Unroll dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 3 x 1/2 inch strips.
- Using your hands, roll each strip into a rope about 5 inches long.
- Tie each strip into a knot and place on the baking sheet.
- In a large sauce pan, heat 5 cups of water and the baking soda until it boils.
- Drop dough knots, 6 at a time, into the boiling water.
- Let the knots cook for about 30 seconds or until dough looks slightly puffy and dimpled.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove knots from the water and place on the cookie sheet about 1/2 inch apart.
- Brush knots with egg and sprinkle on salt.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until well browned.
- Serve pretzel bites with warm queso dip or any dip you prefer.