I love simple snacks, and Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are a go-to in my kitchen. They use leftover starter and bake up fast, so I make them when I want warm, salty bites in minutes.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
My Go-To Equipment
I keep a large pot, a heavy baking sheet, parchment paper, and a good mixing bowl ready. I also mention simple tool tips in my tasty sourdough discard brownies post that help when I bake many things.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Mix the sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the flour slowly and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for thirty minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into bites.
- Boil each bite for about thirty seconds, then move them to a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the bites with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the pretzel bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I swap half the flour for whole wheat for more fiber, or add a teaspoon of olive oil for silkier dough. You can also mix in herbs or a little grated cheese before shaping for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love these with grainy mustard and honey butter. For a sweet and salty pairing, I sometimes serve them with a small plate of treats like blueberry cheesecake protein bites for a shared snack spread.
Getting It Just Right
Keep the bites small so they cook evenly. If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands and work surface with a little flour. Watch the oven closely the first time you bake them to find your perfect golden color.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the bites cool fully, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
Enjoy Every Moment
I make these when I want a quick treat and time with family. They warm the room and lift our moods, every single time.
A Few Common Questions
Should I use cold or room temperature sourdough starter?
I use room temperature starter for Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites so the dough mixes easily. Cold starter can slow the dough a bit, but the recipe still works.
Can I freeze the Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites after baking?
You can freeze baked pretzel bites for up to one month. Cool them, freeze on a tray, then move to a bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven for best texture.
Why did my pretzel bites turn out too dense or heavy?
If your bites are too dense, try kneading a little less and check your flour measure. Too much flour or too much knead can make them heavy, so aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough.
Print
Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, salty bites made with leftover sourdough starter, perfect for a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix the sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the flour slowly and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for thirty minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into bites.
- Boil each bite for about thirty seconds, then move them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the bites with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the pretzel bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Keep the bites small for even cooking. Dust with flour if the dough is sticky. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sourdough, pretzel bites, snack, quick recipe