Football season is here. That means football is on, well, basically all week. Are you a fan? Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, you can at least be a fan of the food! I don’t know why football brings out all of the snacks and desserts and other sports don’t. But since football’s here, that means all of the snacks and desserts that go with it are, too! And since it’s time for pumpkin, I’m taking the classic soft pretzels and turning them into pumpkin pretzel bites for our football snacking!
Along with adding pumpkin to our favorite soft pretzels, I also swapped out all of the dairy for alternatives because plant-based diets are not only good for you, but they can taste great, too. Instead of dairy milk, I used Silk Almondmilk for both the pretzel bites and the pumpkin spice glaze.
You can’t even tell the difference in the bites and the slight nuttiness that it adds to the glaze pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spices! Instead of butter I used melted coconut oil. I was a little wary of this swap since this was the first time I haven’t used melted butter, but found that it didn’t affect the dough at all. Just make sure that you use melted coconut oil and not solid. These simple swaps make it easy to sideline meat and dairy one night a week, and since it’s football season, why not make Monday #MeatlessMondayNight?!
If you’ve never given pretzel bites a try before, don’t let the longer list of instructions scare you! They really are quite simple, the longest parts are waiting for the dough to rise and cutting the dough into bite-size pieces.
Since good football food has a dip to go with it, these pumpkin pretzel bites are no different! A simple glaze with pumpkin spices can either be drizzled over the top when served or served alongside the bites for dipping!
Be sure to check out www.silk.com/sidelinemeat for more recipe inspiration and a chance to win a giveaway! Also, check out their store locator to find products near you!
- 4½ C-5 C bread flour
- 1 pkt (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp cloves)
- 1 C Silk Almondmilk, warmed to 120-130 degrees F
- ½ C pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 5 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 10 C water
- ⅓ C baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
- coarse sugar
- ¾ C confectioner's sugar
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp allspice)
- 1 tbsp Silk Almond Milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Add almond milk, pumpkin puree, and melted coconut oil. With mixer on low, additional cup of flour. If mixture is still too wet, add up to an additional ½ cup of flour. Beat with paddle attachment until dough starts to form.
- Switch out paddle attachment for dough hook and knead dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes or until dough is smooth and pulls away from edges of bowl.
- Shape dough into a ball and place in a large bowl sprayed with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Roll dough in bottom of bowl to coat all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for an hour or until dough is doubled in size.
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil over medium heat. Beat egg and water in a small bowl.
- Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into approximate 10 inch ropes. Cut each rope into 1 inch pieces.
- Gently place 15-20 bites into boiling water at a time. Allow to boil for 30 seconds.
- Remove to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Brush with beaten egg mixture. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until pretzel bites are golden brown.
- Remove to a wire rack. Prepare glaze by stirring together confectioner's sugar, spices, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add additional almond milk to reach desired consistency.
- Serve glaze with fresh pretzel bites.
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
These look absolutely incredible! I wish I could reach through the screen and grab some right now!!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
This looks SO good- I love that you used Silk with it, it’s one of my favorites and pumpkin? Hello.
Chicago Jogger says
These pretzel bites look crazy delicious, and as a dairy-sensitive eater I love that you used almond milk! Can’t wait to try this. I’ll watch football any day if it involves pumpkin 😉
Beth says
I can already see that pretzel bites are worth the work!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Doesn’t look like I need to hit Aunt Annies Pretzels at the mall anymore to get my pretzel bite fix! These sound EPIC !
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
I’m definitely a fan of football, but wayyyy more of a fan of the food! Especially little gems like these!
Medha @ Whiak & Shout says
I’ve never seen pumpkin and pretzels together, but now I’m totally craving it! Love this 🙂
Ramona W says
What a great treat to enjoy! I know my family will devour each and every bite. 🙂
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
There’s nothing quite like pretzel bites! I love the pumpkin flavor!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
Is football season here?? Lol. There’s part of me that wishes we were into a sport because it would be something to gather around and eat good food! I think I’m definitely going to gather some people anyways — pretzels are SO good!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
OMG!! Pumkin pretzel bites! Pass me the plate please!
Amanda says
I know next to nothing about sports in general, but I always appreciate how the snacks come out when a game is on! These pretzel bites look heavenly! Nothing beats a soft pretzel, and I love that they’re pumpkin flavored with a yummy glaze. I would hog the bowl on game day! 🙂
Julia says
These look awesome!! Pumpkin and pretzel are two of my favorite things!
Ashley says
I loveeee to make homemade pretzel bites! But I have never done sweeter ones like this! These sound amazing!
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I SO need to get these pretzel bites in my life! LOVE that glaze!
Danielle says
I love pretzels, but haven’t had a pumpkin one before. I think that needs to change though because these look so delicious! I love that pumpkin spice glaze on top too, such a great touch!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm these pumpkin pretzel bites look delish! Love the glaze!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
how fun! love the glaze 🙂
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Not a fan of football, but a definite fan of football food!