Red Robin Pretzel Bites Recipes

PRETZEL BITES

Steps:

• Add cream, milk and sugar to a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to below 110°F.
• Sprinkle active dry yeast over the liquid surface and let it bloom for 10 - 15 minutes, the mixture should puff up.
• Add the flour and salt to a stand mixer bowl and stir to distribute. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead with the dough hook on speed 2 until the dough comes together.
• Scrape the dough out of the mixing bowl onto a floured countertop and shape into a ball.
• Place the dough ball into an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 - 2 hours until at least double in size.
• Dump the risen dough out onto a lightly floured countertop, divide into 4 equal portions and roll each into a log about 10" to 12" long. Cut each log into 10 to 12 pieces about 1" each. You can keep the dough on a floured countertop or a parchment-lined baking sheet, keep them apart so they don't stick together.
• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, turn the heat down and add baking soda to the boiling water a little at a time, it will bubble vigorously, allow the bubbles to subside before adding more so it doesn't boil over. Once all the baking soda is added, give it a stir and bring the baking soda water back to a simmer.
• Grease a wire rack with oil and set it over a large baking sheet.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer a few pieces of dough into the simmering baking soda water and let it boil for 10 seconds. Remove the dough and set it on the oiled wire rack to drain the excess water. Continue to boil the rest of the pretzel bites and set them on the wire rack. If you run out of space on the wire rack, wait to boil the second batch when the first batch goes into the oven.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Beat one egg with a tablespoon of whole milk to make egg wash.
• Use a tong, carefully with a light hand, to transfer the boiled pretzel bites from the wire rack onto a lined baking sheet. You will need to bake in two batches. Brush egg wash over the top and sides of the dough. Sprinkle some coarse salt on top and bake for 10 - 12 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

SOFT PRETZEL BITES

Steps:

• Place 1 1/2 cups water, butter, brown sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment. Mix until well combined. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
• Turn mixer on low speed and add 4 cups flour, 1 cup at a time. Add additional 1/2 cup flour if dough appears sticky. Increase speed to medium and knead until dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle in more flour if dough still seems a little tacky.
• Oil a large mixing bowl. Add the ball of dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a sheet pan with cooking spray.
• Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly add baking soda and return to a boil.
• Meanwhile, remove dough from the bowl, flatten into a disc shape, and cut into 8 wedges. Roll each wedge into a 24-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
• Drop batches of dough pieces into the boiling water for about 35 seconds. Remove to the prepared sheet pan. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush over the tops of each boiled dough piece. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.