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Cozy Bavarian Pretzel Bites with Mustard Sauce: Best Easy Appetizer

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These cozy Bavarian pretzel bites with mustard sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring a chewy golden-brown crust and pillowy warm center, paired with a tangy-sweet mustard dipping sauce. Perfect for game day, Oktoberfest, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining ½ cup flour until dough pulls away from bowl sides.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the boiling bath: Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully add baking soda to boiling water.
  6. Shape the bites: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 12-inch rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil the bites: Working in batches of 6-8, drop bites into boiling baking soda solution. Boil for exactly 10 seconds per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
  8. Egg wash and salt: Brush each boiled bite with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deeply golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  10. Make the mustard sauce: Whisk together sour cream, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Water temperature for yeast should be 110°F-115°F. Do not skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for the pretzel flavor and texture. Boil exactly 10 seconds per side. For best results, serve warm. Mustard sauce can be made ahead and improves after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, Bavarian pretzel, mustard sauce, easy appetizer, game day snack, Oktoberfest, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/cozy-bavarian-pretzel-bites-with-mustard-sauce-best-easy-appetizer/