These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! Coated in buttery garlic goodness and sprinkled with parmesan, they’re hard to resist!
Perfect for snacking or a party treat, I love serving them with a tangy dip. Just be warned—once you start, it’s tough to stop munching! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the dough to rise. If you’re in a pinch, you can use instant yeast, just add it directly to the flour mixture without proofing.
All-Purpose Flour: A must for a good texture. If you’re looking to make these gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re in a hurry, pre-grated works too, but fresh is always tastier!
Butter: Unsalted is best here for controlling saltiness. For a healthier option, you could use olive oil instead. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Brown Pretzel Bites?
The secret lies in the boiling step with baking soda. This creates that signature pretzel flavor and a beautiful dark brown crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Boil the water and baking soda mixture until bubbling. Make sure it’s at a rolling boil when you add the bites.
- Carefully drop them in using a slotted spoon. Don’t overcrowd the pot; boil in batches if needed.
- 30 seconds is the perfect time for boiling. This is key for that chewy outside and soft inside!
After boiling, drying them a bit before baking helps keep your pretzel bites from being too wet, giving them that nice crunch once baked! Enjoy baking these tasty snacks!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise. So, total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s more waiting than work, and the results are totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activating the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This ensures your dough will rise well!
2. Mixing the Dough:
Add the granulated sugar, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon or your hands until a dough starts to form. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky!
3. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten for that nice pretzel chew!
4. Letting it Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepping to Bake:
As your dough rises, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will get your oven ready for those golden bites!
6. Boiling the Dough:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This step is key for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
7. Shaping the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly oiled surface. Roll it into a log and cut it into about 1-inch pieces. These are your pretzel bites!
8. Boiling:
Using a slotted spoon, gently drop the dough pieces into the boiling water. Boil for about 30 seconds, then remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. This gives them that perfect pretzel coating!
9. Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
10. Baking:
Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
11. Making Garlic Butter:
While the bites are baking, mix the melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. This will be the tasty topping!
12. Topping the Bites:
As soon as the pretzel bites come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. This adds loads of flavor!
13. Garnishing:
While the bites are still warm, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top. The cheese will melt slightly, adding an extra touch of deliciousness!
14. Finishing Touch:
If you like, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top to finish. This enhances all the rich flavors of the pretzel bites!
15. Serving:
Serve the garlic parmesan pretzel bites warm, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh!
Enjoy these irresistible garlic parmesan pretzel bites fresh, soft, with a flavorful cheesy garlic coating! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You may need to increase the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What’s a Good Dipping Sauce for Pretzel Bites?
These pretzel bites pair wonderfully with cheese sauce, mustard, or a garlic aioli. You can even serve them with marinara for a tasty complement!
