These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are soft, warm, and packed with flavor! They’re covered in buttery garlic goodness and topped with cheesy Parmesan.
Perfect for sharing (or not!), they make a great snack for movie night. I love serving them with a nice dip—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise. If you don’t have dry yeast, you can use instant yeast without any changes to the method. Just remember to store it properly to keep it active.
All-Purpose Flour: For this recipe, all-purpose is the best choice for texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, but check the package for substitutions if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese brings a wonderful flavor. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter or oil instead. Olive oil also works well for brushing on the pretzel bites after baking.
How Do I Get the Perfect Soft Texture for My Pretzel Bites?
The key to achieving that soft and chewy texture lies in the dough and the boiling step. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your water is warm enough (around 110°F) for the yeast to activate—too hot, and it can kill the yeast.
- Don’t rush during the kneading step; aim for a smooth and elastic dough, which is crucial for the right texture.
- Boiling the pretzel bites briefly in a baking soda solution not only flavors them but also creates that signature chewy crust. Keep an eye on them—30 seconds is all they need!
By following these tips, your pretzel bites will turn out perfectly soft every time! Enjoy your baking adventure! 🥨
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- For the Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. This includes 10 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for boiling, and about 12-15 minutes for baking. Plus, you’ll need around an hour for the dough to rise. But trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy on top. This means your yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Make a Soft Dough:
Add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Now, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to be soft but not too sticky.
3. Let It Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. It’s like giving the dough a nice little nap!
4. Get the Oven Ready:
While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the pretzel bites don’t stick.
5. Boil the Dough:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a rolling boil, then carefully stir in the baking soda. Now you’re ready to shape your pretzel bites!
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into small pieces, about 1-inch each. Roll them into little balls or bite-sized pieces—whatever you prefer!
7. Cook Them Up:
Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets with a little space between each bite.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and smell amazing! Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark.
9. Add Garlic and Cheese:
While the pretzel bites are baking, combine the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl. Once the baked bites come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
10. Top It Off:
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a dash of coarse sea salt on top. Feel free to add extra if you love that cheesy goodness!
11. Time to Serve:
Serve your warm Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites with your favorite dipping sauce, like mustard or cheese dip. Enjoy every bite!
These pretzel bites are irresistibly soft on the inside and have a crispy golden crust, bursting with garlicky Parmesan flavor. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or just treating yourself!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can add it directly to the flour without letting it proof first. Just mix it in with the flour and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead, let it rise, then punch it down, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the boiling and baking steps.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for the best taste and texture.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of the Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites?
You can easily customize the flavor! Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a different twist, or use different cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for a unique taste. Additionally, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
