Gluten-Free Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe
These Gluten-Free Soft Pretzel Bites are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, made with gluten-free flour and Greek yogurt to create a soft, chewy texture. They can be enjoyed salted or with a cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for a snack or party appetizer. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a versatile treat suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 1½ cups all purpose gluten-free flour with xanthan gum (we used GFJules)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt + extra for sprinkling in salted option
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt or dairy-free Greek yogurt (we used Fage brand)
Baking Soda Bath
- ¼ cup baking soda (4 tablespoons)
- 4½ cups water
Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or dairy-free butter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside to prepare your workspace.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Add the Greek yogurt and use a stand mixer or hand mixer to mix for 2-3 minutes until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Turn the dough onto a silicone pastry mat and knead gently about 10 times with dry hands lightly dusted with gluten-free flour. Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then roll each ball into worm-like strips, approximately 8-10 inches long. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the strips into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Baking Soda Bath: Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Drop 4-6 pretzel bites into the boiling water for 10 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them, allowing excess water to drain. Place them back on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bites.
- Salt or Skip: If you prefer salted pretzel bites, sprinkle coarse kosher salt on the bites while they are still wet from the baking soda bath. If you’re opting for cinnamon sugar bites, do not add salt and proceed to baking.
- Bake: Place the pretzel bites on the middle rack and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar (Optional): In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another bowl, melt the butter or dairy-free butter.
- Coat Pretzel Bites: Dip or brush each baked pretzel bite in the melted butter, letting excess drip off, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pretzel bites are best enjoyed immediately for optimal softness and flavor.
- Storage Instructions: Salted pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container overnight and reheated in the microwave or oven the next day. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving. For cinnamon sugar bites, freeze the plain bites before adding the cinnamon sugar topping, and add the coating after thawing.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to ensure proper texture and binding.
- The baking soda bath helps create the distinct pretzel crust and chewy texture.
- Coating with cinnamon sugar is optional and should be added after baking for best results.
- Handle the dough gently to keep it soft and prevent it from drying out.
- For vegan or dairy-free versions, use plant-based Greek-style yogurt and dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Do not overcrowd the boiling water; cook pretzel bites in small batches for even coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pretzel bites (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: gluten-free pretzel bites, soft pretzels gluten free, easy pretzel recipe, Greek yogurt pretzels, cinnamon sugar pretzels, party snacks, gluten-free snacks