Pizza Pretzel Bites

Whenever I'd go to the pretzel stand in Germany I'd almost always get a pizza pretzel. I mean, the concept was genius.... a pizza on top of yummy pretzel dough! I was planning on making pizza for dinner last night but had forgotten to make my dough on Saturday (the recipe I use sits overnight). I still wanted pizza and then it hit me... make pizza pretzels!

These were AMAZING!!!!! I served them with pizza sauce for dipping but they were great alone. They are even delicious cold from the fridge a few hours later. They didn't take much time to make, either. I think MAYBE 15-20 minutes active time. Totally worth the effort!

Enjoy!

Pizza Pretzel Bites
Recipe from Sweet Pea's Kitchen

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons 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 tablespoon cold water

Coarse sea salt

Pizza sauce-for dipping

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix together the water, sugar, yeast, and butter. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Add the salt and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead dough at medium speed until a smooth and elastic ball forms, 3 to 4 minutes. If dough is sticky, add 1 tablespoons of flour at a time until dough comes together.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl and turn the dough to coat with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 21 inch rope. Cut the dough into 3-inch pieces to make the pretzel bites. Roll each bite flat with a rolling pin and stuff with pepperoni and cheese. Fold over the dough and pinch the ends. Place on a baking sheet and continue until all pretzel bites are stuffed.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the baking soda and lower heat to a simmer. Carefully boil pretzels in batches. Boil for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large slotted spoon. Place pretzel bites on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. 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.

Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.