Nitrate & Nitrite Free Snackable Soft Pretzel Bites
Soft, chewy, and golden-brown with a satisfying salt crunch on top, these little bites hit every note you want from a classic pretzel — without a single processed meat or cured ingredient in sight. For anyone navigating a nitrate- and nitrite-free lifestyle, snack foods can be a minefield of hidden additives, but this recipe is built entirely from pantry staples you can trust. The magic here is the baking soda bath, which gives each bite that signature deep mahogany crust and slightly chewy interior that makes pretzels so irresistible. A quick boil, a hot oven, and a brush of melted butter at the end is genuinely all it takes. These are the kind of snacks you pull out for game day, movie night, or honestly just a Tuesday afternoon when you need something warm and salty. Serve them straight from the oven while they're still steaming and watch them disappear fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the dough
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°f / 43°c)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the baking soda bath
- 8 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
For finishing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tsp coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5–7 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
- 2
Add the melted butter (from the dough portion), fine salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–6 minutes, until the dough is smooth, slightly tacky, and springs back slowly when poked.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!