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To make Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites, you will need: - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling These ingredients come together to create a soft, chewy pretzel bite with a rich garlic flavor and a savory cheese topping. You can play with the flavor by adding: - Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme - Additional spices like paprika or cayenne for heat - Different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella These options let you customize your pretzel bites to fit your taste. If you’re missing something or want to make swaps, consider these: - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier bite. - Use olive oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version. These substitutions can still give you a great pretzel bite while fitting your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for five minutes. You want it to get frothy; that means the yeast is alive. Next, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir well until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. It should double in size. After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda to the boiling water. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces, about one inch each. Roll each piece into a ball. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. This step gives them that classic pretzel taste. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next, brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color when baked. Sprinkle garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarse sea salt on top. Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and brush with melted butter for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites! To get that soft inside and chewy outside, knead the dough well. Aim for 5 minutes. This builds the gluten, making each bite fluffy. When you let the dough rise, keep it in a warm place. This helps the yeast grow. Watch for it to double in size. This step is key for a light and airy texture. For extra flavor, try adding spices. Smoked paprika gives a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder. Feel free to experiment. Dip them in a spicy mustard or cheese sauce for an added twist. Don’t skip the boiling step. This is crucial for that classic pretzel texture. If you don’t boil them, they won’t get the right chewiness. Also, be careful with salt. Too much can overpower the flavor. Lastly, watch the baking time. Overbaking can dry them out. Aim for a golden brown color for the best result. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Fresh yeast will ensure your pretzel bites rise properly and have a light, fluffy texture. Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the baking soda. Experiment with Toppings: While garlic and Parmesan are delicious, feel free to get creative! Try adding other toppings like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Serve Warm: For the best taste, serve the pretzel bites warm right out of the oven. They pair perfectly with a side of mustard or cheese dip for an extra treat! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor with different cheeses. Cheddar gives a sharp taste. Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture. For a tangy twist, try feta cheese. Each cheese brings its own fun flavor. You can mix in extras to boost flavor. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. Cooked bacon bits add a salty crunch. If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. These choices add excitement to each bite. Want a lighter snack? Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can reduce the butter by using olive oil. For a cheese-free option, skip the cheese and brush with herbs. These swaps make the bites tasty and healthier. Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Let them cool first. You can store them at room temperature for a day. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. They stay good in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them for 20 to 30 seconds. They won’t be as crispy, but they will still taste great. If you want to freeze pretzel bites, do it early. Let them cool completely. Then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for the best taste. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! Yes, you can make pretzel bites ahead of time. Prepare the dough and shape it into bites. Then, place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, boil and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy fresh pretzel bites without a long wait. Garlic Parmesan pretzel bites pair well with many dips. Here are some great options: - Cheese sauce - Mustard - Marinara sauce - Ranch dressing - Creamy garlic dip Each dip adds its unique flavor. You can mix and match based on your taste. These bites are great for parties or snack time. To make these pretzel bites vegan, swap a few ingredients. Here’s what to change: - Replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and a little oil. - Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. - Ensure the Parmesan cheese is dairy-free or skip it altogether. With these swaps, you can still enjoy tasty pretzel bites that fit a vegan diet. In this article, we covered how to make delicious pretzel bites from scratch. We explored essential and optional ingredients, along with helpful substitutions. I provided clear steps for preparing, boiling, and baking them just right. Tips for getting the best flavor and texture also made the process easier. Remember, variations can add fun twists, and proper storage keeps them fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy perfect pretzel bites any time!

Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites

Delicious soft pretzel bites seasoned with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces (about 1 inch each). Roll each piece into a ball.
  • Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda solution, cooking them for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg, then sprinkle with garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarse sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.
Keyword garlic, parmesan, pretzel, snack