Transforming sourdough discard into something truly delicious and practical is easier than you might think.

Sourdough Pretzel Stuffing Bites with Sourdough Discard 16

These Sourdough Pretzel Stuffing Bites offer a fantastic way to use up that bubbly, tangy goodness without any complicated baking steps. They’re a savory, satisfying snack that brings together the best of soft pretzels and flavorful stuffing in one bite-sized package.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or simply as a wholesome treat, these bites are designed for simplicity and maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that’s both innovative and incredibly easy to execute, proving that sourdough discard is a true kitchen hero.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate sourdough discard into their cooking in a fun, family-friendly way. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or those who want a quick win in the kitchen, as it doesn’t require any complex techniques or long proofing times. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly you can turn a humble ingredient into a flavorful snack that’s both healthy and satisfying. These pretzel stuffing bites are ideal for after-school snacks, lunchbox additions, game day appetizers, or even a light dinner alongside a soup or salad. The combination of the slightly tangy sourdough discard with the savory stuffing elements creates a unique flavor profile that’s incredibly addictive, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing bite.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these sourdough pretzel stuffing bites is straightforward, focusing on common pantry staples and, of course, that wonderful sourdough discard. You won’t need any exotic items, making this a budget-friendly and accessible recipe for everyone. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavors to shine without an extensive list of components.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup unfed sourdough discard (at room temperature)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
4 cups store-bought stuffing mix (dry cubes)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

For the sourdough discard, unfed discard is best for this recipe as it contributes to the pretzel-like texture without adding too much sourness. If you don’t have milk, water can be used in a pinch, but milk adds a nice richness. Feel free to use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, just reduce the added salt slightly. For the vegetables, you can use pre-chopped mirepoix mix from the grocery store to save time. Any type of dry stuffing mix will work, whether it’s corn bread, herb, or plain.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, ensuring you can get these delicious bites on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

The hands-on time is minimal, primarily involving mixing ingredients and forming the bites. The baking time is also quick, making this an ideal recipe for a spontaneous snack or a last-minute appetizer.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these sourdough pretzel stuffing bites is a fun and easy process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Prepare the Stuffing Base: In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir gently until the stuffing mix is moistened. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid and soften slightly. While it’s resting, you can move on to the next step.
Make the Sourdough Pretzel Dough: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, melted butter, milk, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky, but that’s perfectly normal for sourdough discard dough.
Incorporate Vegetables: Add the finely chopped celery, onion, and bell pepper to the sourdough dough mixture. Use your hands to gently knead the vegetables into the dough until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
Combine and Form the Bites: Add the softened stuffing mixture to the sourdough pretzel dough. Gently mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be pliable enough to form into balls. Roll the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each bite.
Apply Egg Wash and Season: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each stuffing bite with the egg wash. This will give them that classic pretzel sheen and help the coarse salt adhere. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pretzel stuffing bites for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F (74°C) if you’re using a thermometer.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bites cool on the parchment paper for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These Sourdough Pretzel Stuffing Bites are incredibly versatile, making them easy to adapt to your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Kid-Friendly Swaps: If your kids aren’t keen on certain vegetables, you can finely grate carrots or zucchini into the mixture, or omit the bell pepper entirely. For a milder flavor, reduce the garlic and onion powder. You can also add a pinch of dried parsley or sage for a more traditional stuffing flavor.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses into the mixture before forming the bites for a gooey, savory twist.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Herbaceous Boost: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for an extra layer of flavor. Dried herbs can also be used, about 1 teaspoon.
Party and Buffet Serving: These bites are perfect for entertaining! Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces. Think honey mustard, cheese sauce, marinara, or even a simple ranch dressing. They hold up well at room temperature, making them ideal for potlucks or buffet lines.
Meal Pairing: Serve these as a delicious side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or a hearty vegetarian stew. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help ensure your sourdough pretzel stuffing bites turn out perfectly every time.

Overmixing the Dough: When combining the sourdough discard with the flour and other ingredients, mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tough bites instead of tender ones.
Not Softening the Stuffing Mix Enough: If your dry stuffing mix isn’t adequately moistened by the broth, your bites can end up dry and crumbly. Make sure to let it sit for the recommended 5-10 minutes to fully absorb the liquid.
Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash isn’t just for looks; it helps create that characteristic pretzel-like crust and allows the coarse salt to adhere properly. Don’t skip this step for the best texture and appearance.
Forgetting the Coarse Salt: The coarse sea salt provides essential flavor and texture contrast. Regular table salt won’t give you the same satisfying crunch and pop of flavor.
Crowding the Baking Sheet: Placing the bites too close together on the baking sheet can prevent them from browning evenly. Give them a little space so the hot air can circulate around each one.
Baking at Too Low a Temperature: The higher temperature helps the bites achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These sourdough pretzel stuffing bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can certainly be stored and even prepared ahead of time with a few simple tips to maintain their delicious texture.

Storing Leftovers: Once completely cooled, store any leftover pretzel

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.