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Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pretzels or 36 pretzel bites 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Enjoy fluffy, golden, and richly flavored Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Bites made entirely from plant-based ingredients. These vegan-friendly snacks feature a tender crumb with a perfectly salty crust, ideal for snacks, appetizers, or party treats that bring comfort and joy to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Pretzel Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Toppings

  • Plant-based butter, melted (for brushing)
  • Coarse sea salt
  • Optional: cinnamon sugar (natural), smoked paprika, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flax seeds, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, shredded plant-based cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it bloom until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. Add all-purpose flour, melted plant-based butter, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and natural gelling agent. Mix until a smooth dough forms, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Form Pretzels and Pretzel Bites: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into equal portions. Roll portions into ropes for traditional pretzel shapes or form bite-sized balls for pretzel bites. Shape the ropes into classic pretzel knots.
  4. Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water with baking soda to a gentle boil. Dip each pretzel or bite into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
  5. Bake: Transfer pretzels to a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush generously with melted plant-based butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Final Butter Brush: Remove pretzels from the oven and brush again with melted plant-based butter for extra richness and shine. Serve warm for best taste.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for the chewy crust and golden color.
  • Divide dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
  • Brush pretzels generously with plant-based butter to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Bake on the middle oven rack and avoid overcrowding for even heat circulation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze cooled pretzels in sealed containers for up to 1 month; use parchment paper between layers.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, spritzing water and brushing with melted plant-based butter to restore softness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel or 3 pretzel bites
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soft pretzels, pretzel bites, plant-based pretzels, vegan snack, buttery pretzels, party appetizers

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/buttery-soft-pretzels-and-pretzel-bites/