These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are warm, chewy, and covered in buttery garlic goodness. Perfect for snacking, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Let’s be real, the smell of garlic and cheese is a winner! I love serving them with a side of marinara for dipping. You can’t just eat one, promise me you’ll save some for later! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for making the pretzels rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—just add it directly to the flour without proofing. No fresh yeast? No problem! Just double the amount of instant yeast.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour works great, you can try bread flour for a chewier texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can swap in Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option if you want that cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Get That Perfect Pretzel Shape?
Shaping the pretzel bites is a fun part! To do this well, focus on these steps:
- After kneading, divide the dough into equal portions. You can use a knife or dough scraper for even cuts.
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about 1/2 inch thick) before cutting them into 1-inch segments. This method helps you maintain uniform sizes.
- If you want classic pretzel shapes, loop the dough into a pretzel knot after slicing, but for bites, just keep them in small cubes.
Don’t worry if they’re not perfect. The boiling step will help them rise to a lovely shape, and they’ll taste amazing either way!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For Boiling and Topping:
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and then 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at a little over an hour and a half to make these delicious pretzel bites. Totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let this sit for about 5 minutes. You should see it getting foamy, which means the yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until a dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a good workout for your hands!
3. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the time to get excited!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Prepare for Boiling:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This step is crucial for getting that pretzel texture!
6. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small, 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can just keep them as small balls without rolling!
7. Boil the Bites:
Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches. Boil each batch for about 30 seconds. When they’re done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake Them:
Pop the pretzel bites into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous deep golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Flavor Them Up:
While the pretzel bites are baking, mix the melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl. This will give your bites that irresistible garlicy goodness.
10. Add Toppings:
As soon as they’re out of the oven, brush the pretzel bites generously with the garlic butter mixture. Then sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley.
11. Finish with Salt:
If you want, add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top for that perfect salty touch!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
These pretzel bites are best served warm. Pair them with your favorite marinara or mustard dipping sauce, and watch them disappear!
Enjoy your warm, garlicky, cheesy pretzel bites! They are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. 😊
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, just mix it directly with the flour, skipping the proofing step. You won’t need to adjust the amounts; use the same quantity as active dry yeast.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pretzel bites up until the boiling step, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, boil them straight from the freezer and then bake as instructed!
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, keep them in the fridge for about a week. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to make them crispy again—microwaving can make them chewy!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick. Cheese lovers can also mix in different cheeses for added flavor!
