These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy nuggets bursting with flavor! Rolled in garlic and coated with yummy Parmesan, they make a perfect snack.
Honestly, who can resist warm pretzels? I pair these bites with a dip for extra fun. They disappear fast, so be ready to share—if you want to, of course! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes your pretzel bites rise! If you’re out of yeast, you could use instant yeast, but use half the amount since it’s stronger.
All-Purpose Flour: While I love all-purpose flour for its versatility, you could substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.
Baking Soda: This is crucial for the boiling step, giving pretzels their distinct flavor and color. If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder, but the flavor and texture may slightly differ.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder works in a pinch, but the fresh version gives a better punch!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is fantastic for a savory topping. You can swap it out with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get That Perfect Pretzel Texture?
The secret lies in the boiling step! Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda solution helps develop that classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture. Here’s what to do:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda—be careful as it can bubble up!
- Working in batches, gently drop the dough pieces into the boiling water for 30 seconds on each side. This ensures they become chewy.
- Remove them quickly with a slotted spoon and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Taking these steps will help you achieve the soft, doughy interior and that golden exterior we all love in pretzels. Don’t rush the process, and the results will be yummy!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Boiling Bath:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise. Once you’ve formed the pretzel bites, you’ll need about 15 minutes to boil and bake them. With a total time of around 1 hour and 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until combined. Then, knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This rising time is important for creating that soft and fluffy texture!
4. Preheat and Prepare the Boiling Bath:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This bath will give the pretzel bites their signature taste!
5. Form the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. These are your pretzel bites!
6. Boil the Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water, a few at a time. Boil for 30 seconds, flip them over, and boil for another 30 seconds. Remove them with the slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg. This will help them turn golden brown and beautiful when they bake!
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
While the pretzel bites are baking, mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl. This will make for a delicious coating!
10. Coat the Bites:
As soon as the pretzel bites come out of the oven, toss them in the garlic butter mixture, making sure each bite is coated well. Yum!
11. Add Toppings:
While the pretzel bites are still warm, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese, add the chopped parsley if you like, and finish it off with a pinch of coarse sea salt.
12. Serve:
Serve your wonderful Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites warm along with mustard, cheese dip, or whichever dipping sauce you adore.
Enjoy your flavorful, chewy Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites — the perfect handheld snack or a delightful addition to any gathering!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast! Just use the same amount, but there’s no need to proof it in warm water. You can mix it directly into the dry ingredients, which will save a little time during prep!
How Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Vegetarian?
These pretzel bites are already vegetarian! Just ensure that any dipping sauces you choose are also vegetarian-friendly. Mustard, marinara, or cheese dips are great options!
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they might lose some of their chewiness. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven to regain their softness.
