If you're looking for a fun game day snack, these soft pretzel bites made from pizza dough are sure to be a hit. Pair with cheese sauce to complete the party app.
Using pizza dough cuts down on prep time, making these quick pretzel bites a breeze to whip up. They're perfect for any event, from family-friendly gatherings to casual get-togethers, and they're great as appetizers or finger foods.
If you're looking for more party appetizers, check out these Southern Deviled Eggs, Sausage Cheese Balls (without Bisquick), and Jalapeno Popper Cheese Dip!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: The base of our pretzel bites. You can use store-bought or homemade dough. Use whole wheat or gluten-free dough if needed.
Baking Soda: Essential for giving the pretzels their signature soft and chewy texture and golden brown color. There's no good substitute, but you can skip it for a softer texture.
Coarse Sea Salt: Adds the classic pretzel flavor and a bit of crunch.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pretzel Bites from Pizza Dough
- Shape the Dough: Cut the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-inch rope. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Cut and Shape: Slice each rope into 2-inch pieces. The pieces may seem long, but they will puff up during baking.
- Baking Soda Bath: Mix water and baking soda in a large pot, then bring to a boil. Carefully drop in 6-8 pretzel bites for 10-15 seconds. Remove and drain well.
- Bake: Arrange the bites on a baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and bake at 400°F for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
Tip
Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes if it's tough to shape.
It's okay if your pretzel bites don't look perfect—they'll still be delicious. Even if they end up a bit wonky, they'll be a fun and tasty treat for everyone to enjoy!
To avoid a metallic taste, don't boil the pretzel bites for too long.
Variations
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese before baking for cheesy pretzels.
Cinnamon Sugar: Coat with melted butter and cinnamon sugar after baking for a sweet twist.
Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Sides
Freezing Instructions
Freeze your pretzel bites for up to 2-3 months. Reheat by baking at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwaving until warm.
Common Questions
Yes, you can use any dough that rises well, like bread, biscuit dough, or even crescent roll dough.
Store in an airtight container to maintain softness. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
This can happen if the dough isn't rested enough or the boiling time is too long.
Don't Forget the Pretzel Cheese Dip! 🥨
Pretzel Bites from Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough thawed according to directions on the packaging
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 5 cups water
- coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a large sheet pan with nonstick spray or grease it with butter, then set it aside.
- Using a sharp knife, cut your dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-inch rope. If the ropes shrink or the dough becomes difficult to stretch, cover all the dough lightly and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Avoid forcing the dough to stretch too quickly to prevent lumpiness.
- Cut each rope into 2-inch pieces to make bites. The pieces might seem too long, but they will expand during baking, so you need the length to avoid turning them into disks. You should get about 8 pieces from each rope.
- Mix water and baking soda together in a large pot.* Bring to a boil.
- Place 6-8 pretzel bites into the boiling water for 10-15 seconds. Using a slotted spatula or spoon, lift the pretzel bites out of the water, allowing the excess water to drip off. Place the bites onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle each with coarse sea salt while they are still wet. Repeat the baking soda bath with the remaining pretzel bites.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!