Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites: A Zero-Waste Snacking Delight
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The Story Behind Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
Born from the zero-waste cooking movement and the sourdough baking renaissance, these pretzel bites represent culinary innovation at its finest. Traditional German pretzels have been around for centuries, but this modern twist incorporates sourdough discard, adding both flavor and sustainability to the classic recipe. During the 2020 baking boom, home bakers began experimenting with creative ways to use their sourdough discard, and these pretzel bites emerged as a favorite solution.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zero Waste: Uses sourdough discard that would otherwise be thrown away
- Complex Flavor: The tanginess of sourdough adds depth to traditional pretzel taste
- Customizable: Can be topped with various seasonings
- Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and shareable
Variations
- Everything Bagel: Top with everything bagel seasoning
- Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the salt and toss in cinnamon sugar mixture
- Cheese-Stuffed: Wrap dough around cheese cubes before baking
- Garlic Parmesan: Top with garlic powder and grated parmesan
Storage
- Counter: Store in airtight container for 2 days
- Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
Leftovers
- Reheat in oven for optimal crispiness
- Crush and use as salad topping
- Make pretzel crumbs for breading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sourdough starter instead of discard? Yes, but the flavor will be less tangy and you’ll need to adjust the flour ratio.
Why do we boil the pretzel bites?
The baking soda bath creates the characteristic chewy crust and dark brown color.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, unboiled dough for up to 1 month.
Why didn’t my pretzels brown?
Make sure your baking soda bath is hot and you’re baking at the correct temperature.
Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 48 bites
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
For Topping:
- Coarse sea salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
Make the Dough:
- Combine all dough ingredients in a large bowl
- Knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes)
- Let rise for 30 minutes
- Divide into 48 pieces and roll into balls
Prepare the Bath:
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil
- Boil pretzel bites for 20-30 seconds each
- Remove with slotted spoon to baking sheet
Bake:
- Brush with egg wash
- Sprinkle with coarse salt
- Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 45 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
Recipe Notes
- Use room temperature sourdough discard for best results
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath – it’s essential for pretzel texture
- Space pretzel bites well on baking sheet to prevent sticking
- Serve warm for best taste and texture
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are the perfect way to give new life to your sourdough discard while creating a crowd-pleasing snack. The combination of traditional pretzel-making techniques with the unique tang of sourdough results in an irresistible treat that’s both sustainable and delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your sourdough journey, these pretzel bites are sure to become a regular in your baking rotation.
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