Soft Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
A buttery, golden snack that's the perfect way to use leftover sourdough discard.
If you've been feeding your sourdough starter, you've probably wondered what to do with all that extra discard. Instead of throwing it away, turn it into one of our favorite homemade snacks: soft sourdough discard pretzel bites.
These bite-sized pretzels are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and brushed with melted butter straight from the oven. They're perfect for game days, after-school snacks, appetizers, or simply enjoying warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
If you're just getting started with sourdough, be sure to check out our Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe to learn how to make your own starter and bake a simple homemade loaf. Once you have a starter going, this pretzel bite recipe is one of our favorite ways to use the extra sourdough discard instead of letting it go to waste.
Best of all, this recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together in just a few simple steps.
Why You'll Love These Pretzel Bites
- A delicious way to use sourdough discard
- Soft, fluffy texture with a golden crust
- Great for snacking or entertaining
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy enough for beginners
- Delicious with cheese sauce, mustard, or butter
What You'll Need
Dough
- 140 g sourdough discard
- 300 g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 150 g warm water
- 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 10 g (2 tsp) brown sugar
- 8 g (1½ tsp) salt
- 28 g (2 tbsp) melted butter
Baking Soda Bath
- 8 cups of water
- ½ cup baking soda
Topping
- Coarse pretzel salt (or flaky sea salt)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (after baking)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the sourdough discard, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18–20 inches long. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil. Boil the pretzel bites for 20–30 seconds.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Sprinkle each pretzel bite with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Immediately brush the warm pretzel bites with melted butter before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use active sourdough discard for the best flavor.
- Bread flour creates a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour works well too.
- Don't skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature flavor and golden crust.
- Serve warm with cheese sauce, honey mustard, spicy mustard, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.
- Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.
- If you're regularly baking sourdough, recipes like these pretzel bites are a great way to use leftover discard between bakes. Looking for a classic artisan loaf? Our Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe walks you through the entire process step by step.
Storage
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes.
- For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to sourdough or simply looking for another way to use your discard, these soft pretzel bites are a fun and rewarding recipe.
They're warm, buttery, and incredibly satisfying fresh from the oven. Plus, they're a reminder that sourdough discard doesn't have to go to waste—it can become something everyone reaches for.