Pizza Pretzel Bites

Dave helped me with these delicious little pizza pretzel bites. He likes to make pretzels and since I had to work I told him to get a head start on them. I was told to tell my sister in-law Jamie, this recipe is for her. :) I noticed these off of the blog Two Peas and Their Pod, I thought they look good and would be fun to make. This recipe makes a lot! I don't know if I should be ashamed to say that Dave and I ate a good amount out of what we made. They were little, and it was the only thing for dinner. :) They are a little tedious because you make several of the little bites, but they are well worth it! For those of you who have kids they will love these!

Pizza Pretzel Bites

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

1 package active dry yeast

3 ounces unsalted butter, melted

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

canola oil

pepperoni slices, cut into small pieces

shredded mozzarella cheese

5 quarts water

3/4 cup baking soda

1 whole egg, beaten with 1 Tbsp. cold water

coarse sea salt (I used kosher salt)

pizza sauce for serving

Combine the water, sugar, yeast, and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the dough hook until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Add the salt and flour and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl, about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead into a ball with your hands.

Oil a bowl with canola oil, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat the  oven to 425 degrees F. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot over high heat and carefully add the baking soda.

Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, about 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 ounces each. Roll each piece into a long rope measuring 22 inches and shape. Cut the dough into one inch pieces to make pretzel bites. Roll each bite flat with a rolling pin. Stuff each bite with pepperoni and cheese. Fold over the dough and pinch the ends. Set bites on a baking sheet and continue until all pretzel bites are stuffed.

Boil the pretzel bites in the water solution in batches. We did about 15 at a time. Boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large slotted spoon. Place pretzel bites on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper of a Silpat. Make sure they are not touching. Brush the tops with the egg wash and season liberally with the salt. Place into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with pizza sauce.

Makes about 6 dozen pizza stuffed pretzel bites.