Pretzel Bites from Mellow Mushroom feature soft, golden-brown dough nuggets sprinkled with coarse sea salt, served warm with a side of tangy mustard and creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying blend of salty and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot (for boiling water and baking soda)
- Slotted spoon
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Small serving bowls (for mustard and cheese sauce)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt
- Prepared yellow mustard (for serving)
- Prepared creamy cheese sauce (for serving)
Ensure your water is warm--not hot--to activate the yeast properly and achieve soft, airy pretzel bites. Use coarse sea salt for authentic flavor and texture, as finer salts may dissolve and reduce the desired crunch. Baking soda is essential for boiling the dough, giving pretzels their signature golden-brown crust and slight tang. Melted unsalted butter added to the dough enriches flavor without overpowering it. Your Pretzel Bites from Mellow Mushroom copycat menu will perfectly replicate the soft, golden nuggets with a balanced salty and savory taste when these ingredient details are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in the stand mixer bowl; let sit until foamy (5 minutes).
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl; mix with dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Knead with mixer (or by hand) for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil; slowly add baking soda to the water.
- Turn risen dough onto a floured surface; cut into 6-8 pieces and roll into ropes.
- Cut ropes into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Working in batches, drop dough bites into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds; remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush bites with melted butter or water, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a cooling rack briefly, then serve warm with mustard and cheese sauce in small bowls.
Substitution
Pretzel Bites from the Mellow Mushroom copycat menu offer a delicious combination of soft dough and crunchy sea salt that pairs perfectly with tangy mustard and creamy cheese sauce. If you don't have all-purpose flour, bread flour can be used as a substitute to achieve a chewier texture in your dough. Should you lack baking soda for the boiling step, you can carefully use baking powder, but it may alter the classic pretzel crust. When brushing the bites with melted butter, feel free to substitute with olive oil to add a different flavor note. Your dipping sauces can be swapped out for any mustard and cheese alternatives you have on hand to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it, as this is crucial for the dough rise. When boiling dough bites in the baking soda water, do not overcrowd the pot; this step creates the signature pretzel crust by gelatinizing the surface. Brush the bites with melted butter immediately after boiling to help the coarse sea salt adhere and to enhance the golden-brown color during baking. Serve your warm pretzel bites with tangy mustard and creamy cheese sauce to balance the salty, savory flavors perfectly.
Nutritions
Pretzel bites offer a moderate source of carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour, providing energy for your body. The yeast fermentation process enhances digestibility, while the small amount of unsalted butter adds healthy fats and flavor without excessive calories. Coarse sea salt provides trace minerals, but watch your sodium intake if consumed frequently. Serving these bites with prepared yellow mustard and creamy cheese sauce adds protein and calcium, balancing the snack's savory profile for your enjoyment.
Storage
Store your leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture. For longer storage, place them in a resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven at 350degF (175degC) before serving to restore their golden-brown crispiness. Avoid refrigerating as it can cause the pretzel bites to become stale and lose their signature softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the all-purpose flour for bread flour to achieve chewier pretzel bites with enhanced gluten development. Instead of using yellow mustard, try serving the bites with a spicy Dijon or honey mustard for a different tangy kick. For extra flavor, brush the pretzel bites with garlic butter or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking to create a sweet-savory variation. If you prefer a different dipping option, homemade beer cheese sauce adds depth and richness compared to store-bought creamy cheese sauce.
Allergies
Pretzel Bites from Mellow Mushroom contain gluten from all-purpose flour, which can trigger allergic reactions or intolerances in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The recipe also includes dairy components in the melted unsalted butter and creamy cheese sauce, potentially causing issues for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If you have food allergies, carefully check ingredient lists and communicate with your server to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Mellow Mushroom's Pretzel Bites are loved for their perfect balance of soft, warm dough and a salty, crispy exterior, paired with a creamy cheese sauce that enhances the flavor. Customers appreciate the authentic, hand-rolled preparation that delivers a fresh, bakery-quality experience with every bite. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate the unique texture and taste at home, offering a delicious snack that is customizable and cost-effective. Your homemade Pretzel Bites can capture the essence of Mellow Mushroom's popular appetizer, impressing family and friends with a satisfying, savory treat.