These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are little nuggets of delight! Soft and warm, they’re covered in garlic and sprinkled with cheesy goodness. Perfect for snacking!
Every time I make these, they disappear in a flash! 😄 Dip them in your favorite sauce, and you’ll be the hero of game night. Trust me, everyone will want more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active dry yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead, reducing the amount to about 2 teaspoons. No need to proof it; just mix it directly with the flour.
All-purpose flour: Essential for structure. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend can work too, but check for one that’s suitable for bread-making.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a good substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3 cloves.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan tastes the best, but you can swap it with Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
How Do You Boil Pretzel Bites for the Best Texture?
Boiling before baking is what gives pretzel bites their iconic chewy crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil, then carefully add 2/3 cup of baking soda. This creates a basic solution that will enhance the browning.
- Boil each batch of pretzel bites for about 30 seconds. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; just a few at a time works best.
- Once boiled, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
This boiling step really helps lock in that delicious pretzel flavor and gives them a nice shiny finish!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one 0.25 oz packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total: 1 hour for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for prep, boiling, and baking. The result will be warm, delicious pretzel bites that are perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Now, add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Combine everything until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Preheat Your Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so your pretzel bites won’t stick.
4. Cut the Dough Into Bites:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a 12-inch log and cut it into 1-inch pieces. These will be your pretzel bites!
5. Boil the Bites:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully add the pretzel bites in batches, boiling each for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the Bites:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pretzel bites for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and look delicious.
7. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the bites are baking, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan. Add the minced garlic and cook it over low heat for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
8. Coat the Bites:
Once the pretzel bites come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture while they are still warm.
9. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the hot pretzel bites with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley (if you’re using it), and a pinch of coarse sea salt for extra flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites right away! They’re fantastic on their own or with dipping sauces like marinara, mustard, or cheese dip. Enjoy each cheesy, garlicky bite!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is traditional, you can try using other cheeses like Gruyère or Mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to grate the cheese finely for even coverage.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Yes, you can freeze pretzel bites! Once they are fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What Do I Serve with Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites?
These pretzel bites are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with dips! Try serving them with marinara sauce, cheese sauce, or spicy mustard for added flavor.
