Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites: A Delicious Family Snack!

Name: Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon dark or light brown sugar; 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 10 cups water (for boiling); ⅔ cup baking soda; 1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water); Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling); Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Posted on April 19, 2026

Golden sourdough discard pretzel bites sprinkled with coarse salt and served with dipping sauce

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This Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites comes together in about 30 minutes and is made with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknight meals that your family will love!

Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites

Here’s What You’ll Need:

1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon dark or light brown sugar
1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
10 cups water (for boiling)
⅔ cup baking soda
1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Making these Quick and Easy Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites is completely straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have soft, chewy pretzels ready to dip in your favorite mustard or cheese sauce!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast (5 minutes)
- In a bowl, combine the warm water and brown sugar. Stir this together until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is where the magic starts!
Make the Dough (10 minutes)
- Once your yeast is bubbling and frothy (yay!), add the sourdough discard, flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until everything starts to come together, then drizzle in that melted butter slowly while the mixer is on low speed. You want to blend beautifully, not turn it into a dough marathon.
Knead It Out (5 minutes)
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour. Keep in mind that this might get your hands a bit messy, but that’s half the fun!
Let It Rise (1 hour)
- Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size. This gives the pretzel bites their delicious, airy texture.
Prepare for Baking (5 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (hot, hot, hot!) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Pretzel Bites (10 minutes)
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 pieces, rolling each piece into a rope about 12-14 inches long. Cut each rope into 1 ½ inch pieces. Voila! Pretzel bites!
Boil the Bites (10 minutes)
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This key step bathes your pretzel bites, giving them that wonderful pretzel texture and color. Carefully drop the bites in batches into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Ensure they float! Using a slotted spoon, remove them and let the excess water drip off.
Get Ready to Bake (5 minutes)
- Brush the bites with that luscious egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt (or everything bagel seasoning if you’re feeling fancy). They deserve a little bit of love!
Bake (15 minutes)
- Pop those baking sheets into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Cool and Serve (5 minutes)

Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before diving in. Just a few minutes, and then let everyone dig in!

If you loved these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites, be sure to check out my delicious Sourdough Discard Lemon Loaf, my Crispy Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks, or my Pesto Parmesan Sourdough! You’ll find these and more at in our Pinterest.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 30 minutes and provides a snack that feels special without fussing over complicated ingredients.

Customizable

The best part is that these pretzel bites are so versatile! Change up the spices or toppings to match whatever you have on hand or your family’s taste. Don’t have flaky sea salt? Use regular salt. Want to throw in some cheese? Go for it!

Comfort Food

These poppable bites are loaded with tons of flavor and the nostalgia of traditional pretzels. It’s the kind of snack that brings smiles and warmth to any gathering (or a cozy night in!).

Crowd-Pleaser

Trust me, your family will love these pretzel bites! They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or just after-school munchies. Kids and adults alike can’t resist that soft, chewy texture. It’s honestly hard to share!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

These pretzel bites are amazing on their own, but they shine when paired with some dips. I love serving them with homemade cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or even a tangy ranch dressing. Get creative and experiment with whatever dips you enjoy!

Storage

Any leftovers (if you have any, ha!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just be aware that they might lose some of their chewiness, but hey, they’re still tasty!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Freezer Friendly

You can freeze these pretzel bites! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag once completely cooled. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to snack, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat!

Final Thoughts

You know, food really is a beautiful bridge between cultures and families. And with these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites, you’re not just making a snack; you’re creating something that brings everyone together. So, go ahead, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can turn into something magical in your own kitchen.

And remember, if your little ones “help” and the dough gets everywhere, consider it a win. Cooking should be fun! Now, roll up those sleeves and let’s get baking!