This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of RAGÚ® All opinions are my own.

What are you doing for the big football game this weekend? We will definitely be chilling at home with the kids and I plan to make the best appetizers to prepare. For the first time, I made this homemade pretzel bites, and they are definitely on the list for Sunday.

Do you ever feel afraid to try a recipe? When I initially thought about the process of making homemade pretzel bites, I had this irrational fear that I couldn’t do it. I have no idea why, well, besides I hate when a recipe is a failure. I guess it’s that perfectionism thing in me. I’m so glad I pushed back that hesitation because these pretzel bites are fantastic!

If you’ve been hesitant to try making homemade pretzels, I’m telling you they are way easier to make that I ever imagined. The effort was totally worth it because they taste even better than store-bought pretzels. They are salty and chewy and so delicious.  Next time, I’m going to add a garlic butter on them right when they get out of the oven.

To serve these pretzel bites, I used RAGÚ® sauces. They aren’t just for spaghetti recipes. They’re also great for quick appetizers while watching the big football game or the winter games. I served the pretzels with both the RAGÚ® Old World Style Traditional Sauce and the Double Cheddar sauce. The Ragu® spaghetti sauce has a smooth and rich tomato flavor and contains two servings of vegetables in every ½ cup of sauce. The double cheddar cheese sauce is perfect to make the best mac and cheese recipe but also works perfectly for dipping.

The homemade pretzel bites were a major hit with my family. Any time I make a new recipe and the kids love it, I’m extra pleased. I found the process of making these pretzels really relaxing and fun. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and serve them at your next party or get-together.

Looking for other game-day recipe ideas? Here are 12 more to try.

Homemade Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

1½ cups warm water
2¼ teaspoon fast acting yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
4½ cups all purpose flour, plus more if needed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ cup baking soda
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Add yeast and water to a stand mixer with the dough hook attached or a large bowl if mixing by hand. Stir and allow to rest for 1 minute.

Add salt, sugar and butter to the stand mixer and stir until combined. Add in flour, 1 cup at a time on low speed. If dough is still sticking to the bottom add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Knead the dough for 5 minutes in the stand mixer. (If you do not have a stand mixer knead by hand). Shape into a ball and place the dough in a large bowl lightly coated in oil. Cover with a kitchen towel and place in a warm area for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Cut dough into 6 sections. Roll each section into a long rope (About 20 inches long). Cut into 1½ inch bite size pieces.

Boil 9 cups of water with the baking soda. Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into the water at a time making sure not to over crowd. Cook for 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the bites aren’t touching.

Combine the egg and water and whisk until combined. Brush egg wash over each pretzel bite.
Sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the pan.

Serve with Ragu® sauce and enjoy!