Description
Soft, chewy, bite-sized pretzels tossed in a rich garlic-parmesan butter blend. These easy-to-make snacks are perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, stirring until incorporated. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down dough and divide into 8-10 pieces. Roll into ropes and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil pretzel bites in batches (5-6 at a time) for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown, rotating pans halfway through.
- While baking, melt ½ cup butter and mix with minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Immediately brush hot pretzel bites with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and coarse salt. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure water for yeast is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to avoid killing the yeast. Do not substitute baking soda with baking powder for the boiling step, as it is essential for the pretzel crust. For best results, brush with garlic butter immediately while bites are hot out of the oven. Can be made ahead by refrigerating dough after first rise.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: pretzel bites, garlic parmesan, game day snacks, football party food, soft pretzels, easy appetizer, party snacks