Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites – What To Make With My Sourdough Starter

Soft, golden, and sprinkled with coarse sea salt, sourdough discard pretzel bites are a snack that hits every craving. Their chewy texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible from the first bite to the last.

Have some sourdough starter discard on hand? These pretzel bites are the perfect way to transform it into a quick and satisfying treat.

Why these pretzel bites stand out

• Perfectly chewy texture: A brief boil in baking soda water gives them their signature bite.
• Golden and buttery: The egg wash creates a shiny, golden crust, while melted butter keeps the dough rich.
• Simple ingredients: They come together with pantry staples and your sourdough discard.

Ingredients you’ll need

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (discard is fine)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

How to make these bite-sized snacks

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the pretzel bites bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, baking powder, melted butter, and warm water. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Divide the dough into small pieces, roughly the size of golf balls. Roll each piece into a rope and cut it into bite-sized sections.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add the baking soda. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the pretzel bites. Sprinkle each piece generously with coarse sea salt before baking.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving and enjoy them warm!

Expert tips for success

• Don’t skip the boil: This step is essential for the chewy texture and classic pretzel flavor.
• Use warm water: This helps the dough come together more easily and activates the baking powder.
• Adjust salt to taste: If you prefer less salt, sprinkle lightly or skip the coarse salt topping.

How to store and reheat

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Ingredient substitutions

If you’d like to make these a bit healthier, try swapping half the all-purpose flour with whole-grain flour. For a lower sodium option, reduce the amount of coarse sea salt used for topping.