Looking for a delicious way to use up your sourdough discard? These soft and chewy sourdough pretzel bites are the perfect snack! With their golden-brown crust, fluffy interior, and irresistible salty finish, they make a fantastic appetizer, party snack, or game-day treat.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Pretzel Bites

• No waste: A great way to use sourdough discard instead of throwing it away.
• Soft & chewy texture: Just like traditional pretzels but in bite-sized form.
• Fun & easy to make: No long fermentation required.
• Perfect for dipping: Enjoy with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pretzel bites come together with simple ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (active or inactive)
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Baking Soda Bath (For Authentic Pretzel Texture)

• 6 cups water
• ¼ cup baking soda

Topping

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix sourdough discard, warm water, sugar, flour, salt, and yeast until a dough forms.
2. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until puffy.

2. Shape the Pretzel Bites

4. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope, about ½-inch thick.
5. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces to form bite-sized pretzels.
6. Place the pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Boil in Baking Soda Bath

7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, then add ¼ cup baking soda.
9. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.

4. Bake the Pretzel Bites

10. Brush the pretzel bites with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
12. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Pretzel Bites

• Boiling is key! The baking soda bath gives them their classic chewy texture and deep color.
• For extra shine: Brush with melted butter after baking.
• Want a sweet version? Skip the salt and toss them in cinnamon sugar instead!

Serving Suggestions

These sourdough pretzel bites are perfect with:

• Classic mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Warm cheese sauce
• Garlic butter dip
• Honey mustard or ranch

Check out some of my favorite baking tools:

Final Thoughts

Making sourdough discard pretzel bites is a fun and delicious way to make use of your starter. Whether you prefer them salty, buttery, or sweet, they’re sure to be a hit!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below! And if you share your bake on Instagram, tag me @YourHandle—I’d love to see your sourdough creations!