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Cozy Bavarian Pretzel Bites with Mustard Sauce

Cozy Bavarian Pretzel Bites with Mustard Sauce - featured image
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Soft, chewy pretzel bites with a golden, buttery crust, served with a tangy and creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for any occasion, from game day to Oktoberfest, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 ½ cups (about 440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/45°C), brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then carefully add baking soda. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  5. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough and divide into four equal pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces (about 20-24 per rope).
  6. The baking soda bath: Drop 6-8 pretzel bites into the simmering water. Cook for 30 seconds, flip, and cook another 30 seconds. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all bites.
  7. Egg wash and salt: Brush each bite with beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown, rotating the sheet halfway through.
  9. Finish with butter: Brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter immediately after removing from oven. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
  10. Make the mustard sauce: Whisk together sour cream, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve warm for best texture. For extra chewiness, use bread flour. The mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, Bavarian pretzels, Oktoberfest, mustard sauce, easy appetizer, party food, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/cozy-bavarian-pretzel-bites-with-mustard-sauce/