Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Honey Mustard Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Large pot for boiling pretzel bites
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Add flour and melted butter to the bowl and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Remove the dough from the bowl and grease the bowl with oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
7. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush the pretzel bites with the egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
10. While the pretzel bites are baking, make the honey mustard dip. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
11. Serve the pretzel bites warm with the honey mustard dip.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 450°F
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 80 pretzel bites
- Serves 8-10 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 330
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour.
- Melted coconut oil or vegetable oil can be substituted for unsalted butter.
- Regular mustard can be substituted for Dijon mustard.
Variations:
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dough before rolling into pretzel bites.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese on top of the pretzel bites before baking.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the water is boiling before adding the pretzel bites to prevent them from sticking together.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling the pretzel bites.
- Brush the egg yolk mixture on the pretzel bites lightly to prevent them from becoming too brown.
- Serve the pretzel bites warm for the best taste and texture.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pretzel bites on a wooden board with the honey mustard dip in a small bowl in the center.
- Arrange the pretzel bites in a circle on a large plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top of the pretzel bites before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or lemonade.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- If the pretzel bites are too tough, they may have been overworked during the kneading process.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before beginning to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food History:
- Pretzels originated in Germany in the early 7th century and were traditionally eaten during Lent.
Flavor Profiles:
- The pretzel bites are salty and slightly sweet, while the honey mustard dip is tangy and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at a party or game day gathering.
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