Recipes - Sourdough

Soft Sourdough Pretzel Bites (Easy Discard Recipe)

Soft Sourdough Pretzel Bites (Easy Discard Recipe)

Soft, chewy sourdough pretzel bites made with sourdough discard. These easy homemade pretzels are perfect for snacks, parties, and game day appetizers.


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Homemade pretzels might sound complicated, but these sourdough pretzel bites are surprisingly simple to make. This recipe uses sourdough discard to add flavor while creating soft, chewy pretzels with that classic golden crust.

They’re perfect for game day snacks, after-school treats, or dipping in your favorite sauces. Once you try homemade pretzel bites, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Great way to use sourdough discard
  • Soft, chewy texture like mall pretzels
  • Perfect party snack or appetizer
  • Easy recipe with simple ingredients
  • Freezer friendly

🥨 Sourdough Pretzel Bites (No Yeast)

These soft sourdough pretzel bites are made with sourdough discard and baking powder, so there’s no need for yeast or long rise times.

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

  • 1 Cup Sourdough Discard
  • 1 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
  • 1/3 Cup Milk

Baking Soda Bath

  • 8 Cups Water
  • 1/4 Cup Baking Soda

Topping

  • 1 Egg (Beaten)
  • Coarse Pretzel Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat Oven To 425°F And Line A Baking Sheet With Parchment Paper.


2. Make The Dough

In A Large Bowl Mix Together Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, And Salt.

Add Sourdough Discard, Melted Butter, And Milk. Stir Until A Soft Dough Forms.


3. Shape The Pretzel Bites

Turn Dough Onto A Lightly Floured Surface.

Roll Into Ropes About 1 Inch Thick And Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces.


4. Prepare The Baking Soda Bath

Bring Water To A Boil In A Large Pot And Carefully Add Baking Soda.

Drop Pretzel Bites Into The Water For 15–20 Seconds.

Remove With A Slotted Spoon And Place On The Prepared Baking Sheet.


5. Add Topping

Brush With Beaten Egg And Sprinkle With Pretzel Salt.


6. Bake

Bake For 12–15 Minutes Until Golden Brown.

Brush With Melted Butter If Desired And Serve Warm.



Can You Make Pretzel Bites Without Yeast?

Absolutely! These no yeast pretzel bites are slightly more tender than traditional pretzels but give that classic chewiness you love. This quick pretzel recipe is a great option for when you need those soft pretzels right away. Do not forget the baking soda bath! That’s what gives them their classic chewy taste.


Tips For Perfect Pretzel Bites

  • Don’t skip the baking soda bath — it creates the classic pretzel flavor and color.
  • Keep the bites small so they cook evenly.
  • Use coarse salt for authentic pretzel texture.

Delicious Dip Ideas

Pretzel bites are even better with dipping sauces:


Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store pretzel bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

They will keep for 4–5 days, but reheating improves texture.

Freezer

Freeze fully baked pretzel bites for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes.


FAQ Section

Can I Make Pretzel Bites With Sourdough Discard?

Yes! Sourdough discard adds a mild tangy flavor and extra depth to homemade pretzel dough. The discard replaces part of the flour and water in the recipe while keeping the dough soft and easy to work with.


Do I Need Active Sourdough Starter For This Recipe?

No. This recipe is designed specifically for sourdough discard.


Why Do Pretzels Need A Baking Soda Bath?

The baking soda bath gives pretzels their signature flavor, chewy crust, and deep golden color. Without this step, the dough would bake more like regular bread instead of traditional pretzels.


Can I Freeze Sourdough Pretzel Bites?

Yes. Pretzel bites freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm.


What Flour Works Best For Pretzel Bites?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. Bread flour can also be used if you want a slightly chewier texture.



What Is The Best Salt For Pretzel Bites?

Coarse pretzel salt is traditional, but flaky sea salt also works well. Avoid fine table salt because it dissolves too quickly and won’t give the same texture.


Can I Turn This Dough Into Full Pretzels Instead Of Bites?

Absolutely. Simply roll the dough into longer ropes and shape them into traditional pretzels before dipping in the baking soda bath and baking.


More Sourdough Discard Recipes


If you’d like, I can also give you 3 Pinterest pin titles + descriptions that would drive traffic to this pretzel bites post (Pinterest loves this type of snack recipe).

Sourdough Pretzel Bites (Easy Discard Recipe)

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Pantry Item, Snack, Sourdough Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 30 Bites
Calories 54 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Dough

Baking Soda Bath

Topping

  • 1 Egg Beaten
  • Coarse Pretzel Salt

Instructions
 

Make The Dough

  • Preheat Oven
  • Preheat Oven To 425°F And Line A Baking Sheet With Parchment Paper.
  • In A Large Bowl Mix Together Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, And Salt.
  • Add Sourdough Discard, Melted Butter, And Milk. Stir Until A Soft Dough Forms.

Shape The Pretzel Bites

  • Turn Dough Onto A Lightly Floured Surface.
  • Roll Into Ropes About 1 Inch Thick And Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces.

Prepare The Baking Soda Bath

  • Bring Water To A Boil In A Large Pot And Carefully Add Baking Soda.
  • Drop Pretzel Bites Into The Water For 15–20 Seconds.
  • Remove With A Slotted Spoon And Place On The Prepared Baking Sheet.

Add Topping

  • Brush With Beaten Egg And Sprinkle With Pretzel Salt.
  • Bake For 15 Minutes Until Golden Brown. See notes.
  • Brush With Melted Butter If Desired And Serve Warm.

Notes

These can take longer than 15 minutes if they are bigger. I would start checking around 13 minutes and go until they are golden brown.  

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 54kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword Clean Ingredients, Kid Friendly, Sourdough
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