These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor! Coated in garlic butter and sprinkle with tasty Parmesan, they’re perfect for snacking.
Who can resist the smell of warm pretzels? I love serving these at parties or just for a cozy movie night. Trust me, they vanish fast—grab them while you can!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for making the dough rise. If you don’t have it, you can use instant yeast without changing the amount. Just mix it right in with your dry ingredients!
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives pretzel bites their nice chew. If you’re gluten-free, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but results may vary.
Baking Soda: This is essential for the boiling step, creating that classic pretzel flavor and texture. There’s no real substitute for it in this recipe—it’s a must!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor. If you prefer, you could use Pecorino Romano, which adds a slightly different, more robust taste.
Garlic Powder: You can swap this for fresh minced garlic if you want a stronger garlic flavor. Just mix it into the melted butter.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Boiling Technique?
Boiling the pretzel bites is a step that gives them their signature flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring 10 cups of water with 2/3 cup baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Carefully lower your pretzel bites in batches (about 10-15 pieces) for about 30 seconds on each side. Watch for bubbling!
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is what gives them that classic pretzel crust.
Remember, don’t overcrowd the pot; you want them to boil evenly without sticking together. This technique results in the chewy, golden exterior we love in pretzels!
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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Coarse salt (optional, for topping)
- Marinara or mustard sauce (optional, for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes for prep, about 1 hour for the dough to rise, and another 15 minutes for baking. These pretzel bites are easy to make and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. Then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Go ahead and grab a snack while you wait!
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Be careful, as it will bubble up quite a bit!
5. Shape Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1-inch thick, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces (around 1 inch each).
6. Boil Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda bath—do this in batches of about 10-15 bites. Boil each side for about 30 seconds. Remove them from the water and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Score and Bake:
Lightly score each pretzel bite with a knife by making 2-3 slits on top. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown. The smell will be amazing!
8. Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter:
While the pretzel bites are baking, melt a few tablespoons of butter and mix in the garlic powder to create a flavorful garlic butter.
9. Coat Pretzel Bites:
Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. If you like, you can also add a pinch of coarse salt on top.
10. Serve:
These bites are best enjoyed warm! Serve them alongside marinara or mustard sauce for dipping if you like. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites—they’re sure to be a hit!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser pretzel bites. If you want a lighter texture, consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to balance it out.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Without Yeast?
Unfortunately, yeast is essential for the rise and chewy texture of pretzel bites. However, you could try using baking powder as a leavening agent instead, but it will change the flavor and texture significantly.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crunch.
Can I Freeze Pretzel Bites?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
