Love Bites (Easy Pretzel Bites from Pizza dough)

What are the origins of Pretzels?

Did you know that many historians believe pretzels were invented by a monk in the 6th or 7th century?  Cleverly, the monk used the twisted shape of the pretzel to teach children the concept of arms crossed in prayer.

The modern pretzel originated in Germany in the early 19th century.  It was traditionally made with a simple dough of flour, water, and salt. Not surprisingly, Pretzels quickly gained popularity in Germany and throughout Europe. 

They eventually made their way to the United States.  Quickly, they became a popular snack and street food in every shape and variety.

The monk may not approve of our naming conventions- but I bet he would love how fast and easy soft pretzel bites have become.  Especially, as they are delicious!

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5 from 45 votes

Love Bites

Easy Pretzel Bites made from Pizza dough

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, German

Keyword: Homemade Pretzel bites, Pretzel bites, Pretzels

Yield: 24

Author: Stella Vergin

Materials

Pretzel Bites

• 1 13.8 oz tube Pillsbury Pizza Crust
• 12 cups Water (3 Quarts)
• ¼ cup Baking Soda
• 1 Egg
• Kosher Salt

Creamy Mustard Dip

• ½ cup Dijon Mustard
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• Dash Salt

Instructions

Get ready for Baking

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Line baking pans with parchment paper

Shape the dough

• Open the pizza dough tube, and lay out on a cutting board
• Roll the dough lengthwise into a long tube
• Cut the dough roll into approximately 24 slices
  
• Roll each slice in your hands to make small balls. It is ok if the balls are not perfect. The imperfection gives them character
  

Prepare your Boiling Pot for Baking Soda Pretzels

• Bring water to a boil in a large pot
• Add baking powder (There will be a large bubbling reaction when you do this)
• Add 12 dough balls to the boiling water, they should float to the top after 1 minute.
  
• Use tongs to remove dough balls, allowing the dough balls to shed excess water over the pot
• Place each boiled dough ball on your baking tray
  
• Repeat the process to boil remaining dough balls

Finish topping your dough balls

• Mix 1 egg in a small bowl
• Brush egg on each dough ball
• Put Kosher salt in the palm of your hand to gently sprinkle salt on each dough ball

Bake

• Bake at 425 for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown
• Serve warm with Creamy Mustard Dip, and 'Cheesy Bastard 'Beer-Cheese Dip

Creamy Mustard Dip

• Mix Dijon Mustard, Sour Cream, Honey, and Salt
• Serve in small dip dish

Aphrodesi’hacks’ for

• These are simple DIY pretzels that don’t need additional yeast or rising time.  We use Pillsbury Pizza Dough, but your favorite Pizza Dough can be substituted in this easy soft pretzel recipe.  Double the recipe.  These soft pretzel knots disappear quickly at a party!
• You can prepare the homemade pretzel bites ahead of time, cover and refrigerate.  Pop them in the oven just before serving for fresh out-of-the-oven goodness
• Left-over pretzel bites can be stored in the refrigerator and warmed the next day
• This quick soft pretzel recipe is the start of a beautiful Pretzel Charcuterie Board.  Feature Love Bites, Creamy Mustard Dip,  Teenie Weenies, and the Cheesy Bastard Dip.  Next, add crackers, Apples, and Pears, and a few of your favorite vegetables

Perfect Pairing

Cheesy Bastard

Easy Beer Cheese Dip

Teenie Weenies