sourdough discard pretzel bites

Introduction:

If you’re looking for a tasty, creative way to use up that sourdough discard instead of tossing it out, these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are the perfect solution. Not only do they give new life to your sourdough starter discard, but they also deliver a warm, soft, and chewy snack that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. These pretzel bites are seasoned with a delightful blend of salt, garlic, and a touch of melted butter. They’re perfect for dipping in mustard, cheese sauce, or just enjoying on their own. Plus, they’re easy to make, fun for the whole family, and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the boiling water:

• 8 cups water
• ¼ cup baking soda

For the topping:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1-2 tbsp coarse sea salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Dough scraper or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large pot for boiling
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Pastry brush

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar (or honey). Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, which means the yeast is active and ready.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Add the softened butter into the bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until everything comes together into a dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to handle. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to sprinkle with a little extra flour during the kneading process to keep it from sticking. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes on low speed.

4. Let it rise: Once the dough is kneaded, place it back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Since the dough contains sourdough discard, it might take a bit longer to rise than typical bread dough.

Step 2: Shape the pretzel bites

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 2-3 portions. Roll each portion into a log about 12 inches long.

3. Cut the dough: Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, cut the rolled dough into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long. Repeat this process until all of the dough is cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Boil the pretzel bites

1. Prepare the boiling solution: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda. This will help create that signature pretzel texture. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

2. Boil the pretzel bites: Carefully add the dough bites into the simmering water, in batches. Do not overcrowd the pot. Boil for about 30 seconds per batch, then use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the bites and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. This step is crucial for the chewy texture of pretzels, so make sure to boil the bites long enough.

Step 4: Bake the pretzel bites

1. Brush with butter: Once all the pretzel bites are on the baking sheet, use a pastry brush to lightly coat them with melted butter. This will help them brown and become crispy during baking.

2. Sprinkle the toppings: Sprinkle the pretzel bites generously with coarse sea salt. If you like extra flavor, you can also add garlic powder or dried oregano at this stage.

3. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Serve: Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as mustard, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing.

2. Enjoy: These sourdough discard pretzel bites are perfect for game day, as an appetizer, or as a fun snack for family gatherings. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, with a golden, crisp crust on the outside.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese sauce dip: For a cheesy dip, melt some cheddar cheese with a little milk to create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for extra flavor.

• Herb-infused pretzel bites: If you love herbs, try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

• Sweet variation: For a sweet treat, you can skip the salt and instead brush the pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar once they come out of the oven.

• Make-ahead option: You can freeze the pretzel bites before boiling. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, boil them from frozen and then bake as usual.

Nutrition Information (Per serving, approx. 8 pretzel bites):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Sugar: 2g

These values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the portion size. Keep in mind that adding butter or dipping sauces will alter the nutritional content.

Conclusion:

These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are a great way to put your sourdough starter discard to good use while treating yourself to a delicious, comforting snack. With a crisp, golden crust, chewy interior, and the perfect balance of salty and buttery flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a satisfying snack, these pretzel bites are a fun and easy recipe to whip up in no time. Enjoy the process of creating these little bites of heaven, and feel free to get creative with your toppings or dips!