Description
These Everything Bagel Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and packed with the savory flavors of everything bagel seasoning. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine the classic pretzel dough boiled in baking soda water for a crusty exterior and baked to golden perfection, then coated in a delightful mix of onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and great for sharing at parties or enjoying anytime craving hits.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 336 grams all-purpose flour
- 146 grams warm water
- 30 grams chopped onion
- 28 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 8 grams sugar
- 3 grams instant yeast (1 teaspoon)
- 3 grams diamond crystal kosher salt (1 teaspoon, use half as much of any other brand if measuring by volume)
Toppings and Finishing:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- ½ cup everything bagel seasoning blend (for finishing)
- ⅛ cup pretzel salt (optional, if your everything seasoning doesn’t have salt in it)
Boiling Solution:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
Instructions
- Mix: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water and melted butter. Mix on low-medium speed until a shaggy dough forms, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Knead: Increase speed to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft. If the dough tears, add a few drops of water; if it sticks, dust with flour 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Rise: Shape dough into a ball with a smooth surface. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until almost doubled in size and slightly springs back when pressed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare Boiling Solution: Near the end of the rise, whisk together water and baking soda in a wide, high-sided skillet and bring to a low boil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
- Shape Bites: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch or roll it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into a 6x8 grid of rectangles approximately 1 to 1½ inches in size.
- Boil: Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda solution for 45-50 seconds each. Use a wire spider or slotted spoon to carefully transfer them in and out without splashing.
- Season and Arrange: Place the boiled bites on the prepared sheet pan. Brush tops with egg wash, then dip the egg-washed side into the everything bagel seasoning. Sprinkle with pretzel salt if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the bites are deeply golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool: Let the pretzel bites cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Using diamond crystal kosher salt is recommended for accurate measurement; halve the quantity if using other salt brands by volume.
- The baking soda boiling step is essential to develop the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning blend or omit pretzel salt if your everything bagel seasoning is already salted.
- Ensure the water for boiling the pretzels is at a gentle boil to avoid breaking the bites.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated to refresh.