These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are warm, soft, and totally irresistible! Coated with a tasty blend of garlic and Parmesan, they make a perfect snack or party treat.
Making these bites is super fun! I love dipping them in mustard or cheese sauce. Just be ready to share—or not—because they vanish quickly! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for making the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead; it’s a bit faster and doesn’t require proofing.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the pretzel bites their soft, chewy texture. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend would work here, but make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds bold flavor! If you don’t have fresh, you can use granulated garlic, but start with less as it’s more concentrated.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan tops off these bites perfectly. If you want a different flavor, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast could be great alternatives.
Baking Soda: This gives the pretzels that classic taste and dark color. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes them taste like real pretzels!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Pretzel Bites?
Getting the perfect chew is all about the boiling step! The baking soda water gives pretzels their nice crust and chewy inside. Follow these tips:
- Make sure your water is boiling before adding the pretzel bites; a full boil helps them hold their shape.
- Boil the bites for only 30 seconds. Too long can make them tough.
- Don’t crowd the pot—boil in batches to keep a rolling boil.
Once out of the oven, brushing with garlic butter while warm helps soak in flavor and keeps the pretzels soft! Enjoy your homemade pretzel bites!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and around 12 minutes for baking. A quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can add a sprinkle more flour as you knead.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
4. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the pretzel bites don’t stick.
5. Prepare the Boiling Water:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil. Be careful, as this mixture will bubble up!
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into small pieces, about 1 inch each, and roll each piece into a ball.
7. Boil the Dough Bites:
Carefully drop the dough balls into the boiling baking soda water, about 8-10 at a time. Let them boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets. This step helps give the pretzels their signature flavor and texture.
8. Bake Them Up:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the pretzel bites are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic.
10. Add the Toppings:
Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Then, sprinkle on a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and coarse salt while they are still warm so that the cheese sticks nicely.
11. Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve your warm pretzel bites with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or cheese sauce!
Enjoy your crispy, garlicky, cheesy pretzel bites! Perfect for sharing, or not! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen dough! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the bites. This way, you’ll still get that lovely texture you want in your pretzel bites!
What Can I Use Instead of Baking Soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder, but the flavor and texture will be different. Baking soda helps create that classic pretzel taste. If necessary, you could also skip boiling altogether; just bake them directly, but the bites won’t have the same chewy exterior.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, so they get warm and crispy again.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Without Garlic?
Absolutely! If garlic isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it. You can also replace it with other seasonings like Italian herbs or a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend, or just use plain melted butter for a classic flavor.
