These garlic parmesan pretzel bites are warm, soft, and full of flavor. Coated in buttery garlic goodness and sprinkled with savory parmesan, they’re perfect for snacking!
Honestly, I can’t resist these little bites! They disappear fast at parties. Pair them with some marinara or cheese sauce—yum! Quick to make for a tasty treat anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is essential for making the dough rise and create that soft texture. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without needing to proof it in water first.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard for pretzel dough, but you can substitute half of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more nutrition!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder instead, but fresh really makes a difference! You can also use garlic salt, just reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan boosts the flavor. For a different taste, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for this recipe, as it allows better control over the saltiness. If you’re vegan, use a vegan butter substitute!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Pretzel Bites?
Getting that chewy, soft texture is key for pretzel bites. The most important step is the boiling, which gives pretzels their classic crust. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the dough bites. This activates the baking soda, helping with the color and texture.
- Boil for just 30 seconds per batch. Too long can lead to a gummy texture, while too short can mean they won’t puff up right.
- Sprinkling coarse sea salt right after baking allows it to adhere to the buttery surface and maximizes flavor.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly chewy and delicious pretzel bites every time!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 20 minutes preparing the dough, 15 minutes for boiling and baking, and about 1 hour for the dough to rise. It’s a fun activity that’s well worth the wait, trust me!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active! Next, add in the flour and salt; stir until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Now, place this dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare for Boiling and Baking:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. The baking soda gives pretzels that lovely brown color and unique taste!
3. Shape the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch squares. The dough pieces will become your pretzel bites!
4. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Use a slotted spoon to carefully drop a few dough bites into the boiling baking soda water. Boil them for about 30 seconds, which helps develop that classic pretzel flavor. Remove the bites and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process until you’ve boiled all the dough bites.
5. Bake and Garnish:
Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a golden brown. While they are baking, mix the melted butter with minced garlic in a bowl. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush your pretzel bites generously with the garlic butter mixture. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of coarse sea salt over the top (and parsley if you like!).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These bites are best served warm. Enjoy them with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce—your taste buds will thank you!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can use the same amount of instant yeast without needing to proof it first in warm water. Just mix it directly with the flour and salt.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
If you need a substitute, you can use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for added nutrition and flavor. Just be aware that it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling. Perfect for a quick snack later!
