Description
Give your sourdough discard a delicious purpose! Craft these perfectly chewy, slightly tangy pretzel bites for an irresistible snack. Detailed instructions and full nutritional information included.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups (960ml) warm water
- ½ cup (100g) baking soda
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1–2 tablespoons coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about ½ inch thick, then cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Step 3: In a large pot, bring the warm water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the baking soda. Once dissolved, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling solution in batches (about 15-20 at a time). Boil each batch for 20-30 seconds, flipping once, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Step 4: Arrange the boiled pretzel bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the bites generously with the melted butter and immediately sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or cheese dip.
Notes
- Keep any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for a longer-lasting delicious snack.
- Restore their delightful chew and crispness by warming day-old or frozen pretzel bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave briefly for a softer result.
- Go beyond classic mustard and cheese dip; try these bites with a sweet cream cheese frosting, a savory garlic herb butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an adventurous twist.
- The baking soda bath is your secret to the pretzel's signature chewy crust and deep golden hue, so ensure your water is at a rolling boil when you *carefully* add the baking soda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 235
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 1g