These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are warm, soft, and so tasty! Coated in garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, they are a little bite of heaven. Perfect for dipping too!
Honestly, they disappear fast at my gatherings! I love serving them with marinara sauce on the side—it’s the best combo! 🥨❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: It’s important for the dough to rise. If you’re out, you might use instant yeast instead, but be sure to adjust the measurements. Instant yeast doesn’t need blooming—just mix it directly into your dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: This is crucial for the right texture. If you need a gluten-free option, go for a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency; gluten-free flour may need a little more liquid.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, but if you only have salted, just reduce the added salt in the recipe a bit. For vegan options, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy kick. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well too!
How Do I Get My Pretzel Bites to Have a Perfect Texture?
Getting the right texture for your pretzel bites is all about the boiling step. Boiling the dough in a baking soda solution is what gives them that chewy outside! Here’s a quick guide:
- Boil water mixed with baking soda in a large pot—make sure it’s at a rolling boil.
- Drop dough pieces into the boiling water for 30 seconds. This helps create a chewy crust.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully and place them on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them!
These steps are key for that soft inside and crisp outer crust that everyone loves!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional)
- Coarse kosher salt or pretzel salt (about 1 tbsp)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and then about 15 minutes for baking. So, you should set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes in total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is ready to work!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—you can do this by hand or use a mixer with a dough hook.
3. Let the 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 spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
5. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut this into small 1-1.5 inch pieces, resembling bite-sized chunks.
6. Boil the Dough Bites:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil, then add the baking soda carefully. Once boiling, drop the dough bites in batches into the water for about 30 seconds each. This step gives them that chewy texture!
7. Transfer to Baking Sheet:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bites and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
8. Add Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic. Brush each pretzel bite generously with this garlic butter, and sprinkle them lightly with coarse salt.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. As soon as you take them out, brush them with garlic butter again—more flavor!
10. Finish with Parmesan:
While the pretzel bites are still warm, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley flakes, if using. This gives them a lovely finish!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm pretzel bites with marinara sauce or mustard for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Just remember, you won’t need to bloom it in water—simply mix it directly into your dry ingredients!
What Happens If I Don’t Have Baking Soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will be a bit different. The boiling step is critical for creating that authentic pretzel texture, so do try to get baking soda if possible!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after it has risen. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers 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 5-10 minutes to regain that soft texture!