Making Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites at home can be a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. These bite-sized treats combine the savory flavors of pizza with the soft and chewy goodness of pretzels. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide a detailed step-by-step recipe and explanation, including all the necessary ingredients, equipment required, and tips for achieving the best results.
Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites are a popular snack that combines pretzel dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and various toppings. They’re a delightful fusion of the classic pretzel and pizza flavors. Making these at home allows you to customize the toppings and enjoy the deliciousness right out of your oven.
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you will need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- Use 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water between 110°F and 115°F.
- 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced olives, diced bell peppers)
Equipment:
To make Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- While having a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is not necessary, it is highly recommended.
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan (for making the pizza sauce)
- Brush for applying egg wash
- Oven
Dough Preparation:
Making the pretzel dough is the first and most important step in creating Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl.
- Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is lively and prepared for use.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a different and sizable bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Combine the dry ingredients and pour the mixture of melted butter and yeast.
- Mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- If you own a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough until it reaches a smooth consistency. And elastic for about 5-7 minutes. Otherwise, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
- Put the dough in a bowl with oil. A clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap should cover the dough while it rises warmly. Place the dough in a draft-free area for approximately an hour until it has doubled.
Pizza Sauce:
It’s an excellent time to start making the pizza sauce as the dough rises.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Combine the tomato sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan.
- Stir the sauce over low heat until warmed through. Then remove from heat and set aside.
Toppings:
Prepare your choice of pizza toppings. Standard options include pepperoni, olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. You can customize your Pretzel Pizza Bites with your favorite ingredients.
Assembling the Pretzel Pizza Bites:
Once the dough has doubled, it’s time to assemble your Pretzel Pizza Bites.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- To start baking, set your oven to preheat at 450°F (230°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Divide and Roll the Dough
- Gently deflate the dough that has risen to remove any excess air.
- To prepare the dough, divide it into small portions approximately the size of a golf ball.
- Shape each piece into a small ball, then flatten it into a 3-inch circle.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add your choice of pizza toppings on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
- Fold the dough circle in half to cover the toppings and form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together to seal the pizza bites.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Soda Bath
- Pour the baking soda into warm water in a shallow bowl or dish to dissolve it.
Step 6: Dip the Bites
- Gently dip each assembled pizza bite into the baking soda bath, then place it on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
- Brush beaten egg onto the tops of the pizza bites for a shiny, golden finish.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Salt
- For that classic pretzel flavor, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of each pizza bite.
Baking and Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Bake
- Put the pizza bites on baking sheets. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until a golden brown color is achieved.
Step 2: Cool and Serve
Take the pizza bites out of the oven and cool them on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Serving Suggestions:
Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites are best served warm and fresh. You can enjoy them alone or with some additional pizza sauce for dipping. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack for game day or movie night.
- Include them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delicious school or work snack.
- Pair them with a side salad for a light meal.
This extensive guide covers the step-by-step process of making Wetzel’s Pretzel Pizza Bites at home. These delectable treats are a delightful blend of soft pretzel dough and savory pizza toppings, making them a favorite for snack time. Customize your pizza bites with your preferred toppings and enjoy your oven’s warm, cheesy goodness. With some practice, you can recreate the flavors of Wetzel’s Pretz.
