Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites 

These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are your zero-waste, flavor-packed snack solution. Crafted from sourdough discard, they deliver a satisfying chewy interior and a golden, salty exterior—perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy solo indulgence. Despite being made with minimal ingredients, they strike the ideal balance of tang, texture, and convenience. Whether you're new to working with sourdough discard or simply want a crowd-pleasing treat with minimal effort, these pretzel bites are a delicious way to put extra starter to good use and impress everyone around the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
  
  

• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  
  

• 1 tbsp brown sugar
  
  

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
  
  

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  
  

• 1 tsp salt (plus extra pretzel salt for topping)
  
  

• ⅓ cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
  
  

Directions

1. Proof the yeast: Combine warm water, brown sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   
   

2. Make the dough: Add sourdough discard, butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
   
   

3. First rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
   
   

4. Shape: Roll dough into ropes about ¾-inch thick, then cut into 1–1.5-inch pieces.
   
   

5. Boil: Bring 6 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzel bites in for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
   
   

6. Bake: Arrange bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with pretzel salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
   
   

7. Finish: Optional—brush with melted butter for extra flavor before serving.
   
   

Nutrients (per 1 pretzel bite, approx. 25g)

• Calories: 32 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
  
  

• Protein: 0.9 g
  
  

• Fat: 0.7 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 2 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 118 mg
  
  

• Fiber: 0.3 g
  
  

• Sugar: 0.3 g
  
  

• Potassium: 14 mg
  
  

• Calcium: 3 mg
  
  

• Iron: 0.4 mg