Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites Recipe

Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites Recipe

35 min
60 servings

Soft, pillowy, and infused with a delightful buttery essence, these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are ready from start to finish in just over an hour.

Ingredients

  • 7 grams active-dry yeast
  • 150 grams whole milk (sub: plant-based milk)
  • 25 grams brown sugar
  • 75 grams sourdough discard
  • 240 grams bread flour
  • 4 grams salt
  • 14 grams unsalted butter (softened)
  • 452 grams hot water
  • 10 grams baking soda
  • 7 grams pretzel salt
  • 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)

Directions

  1. 1

    Bloom the yeast: Whisk the yeast into the milk and sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and let the yeast activate for at least 10 minutes or until foamy and fragrant.

  2. 2

    Make the dough: Whisk the sourdough discard into the yeast mixture.

  3. 3

    Fold the dry ingredients in using a spatula or your hands until no traces of flour remain. Continue kneading with your hands until a cohesive dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead the butter into the dough. The dough will gradually feel less greasy as the butter is absorbed.

  5. 5

    Strengthen the dough: Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes or until it's completely smooth. Gather it into a tight ball.

  6. 6

    Pre-shape the dough: Divide the dough into 5 even portions. Round the dough into a tight ball. Transfer to a plate and cover with plastic wrap.

  7. 7

    Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. This will make the dough much easier to roll out.

  8. 8

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  9. 9

    Shape: Working with one portion at a time. Roll each into an 18-inch rope. Divide the rope into 1½-inch segments.

  10. 10

    Transfer the dough on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze the tray for 15 minutes.

  11. 11

    Baking soda bath: Dissolve the baking soda in hot, boiling water.

  12. 12

    Drop a few hand fulls of dough into the baking soda bath. As soon as the dough floats, fish them out and transfer them to a parchment-liked baking sheet.

  13. 13

    Arrange the dough on a baking sheet with at least an inch of space to allow them to puff up.

  14. 14

    Bake: Sprinkle pretzel salt on top of the dough. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

  15. 15

    Serve: Toss the baked pretzel bites in the melted butter until every piece is completely coated.

  16. 16

    Store: Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.