Easy Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites Recipe
The Snack You Didn’t Know You Were Craving
You know that feeling? It’s mid-morning, or maybe that 3 p.m. slump is hitting, and you’re craving something warm, savory, and deeply satisfying. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but a bag of chips just won’t cut it. I’ve been there more times than I can count.
That’s exactly how these Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites were born. I was dreaming of the soft, warm pretzels from the mall but wanted the cozy, from-scratch magic of my own kitchen. The result? These ridiculously easy, impossibly soft bites of heaven. The second you pull them from the oven, glistening with butter and piled high with garlic and parmesan, you’ll feel like a baking rockstar. They’re the perfect project for a lazy weekend morning or a surprisingly quick treat to whip up when friends stop by. Fair warning: they disappear fast!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites Recipe
Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings25
minutes15
minutes285
kcal40
minutesI created these Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites on a lazy Sunday when a classic chip-and-dip situation felt underwhelming. In less than an hour, my kitchen smelled like a gourmet bakery and we were devouring these warm, chewy, savory bites straight from the baking sheet. They’ve been a requested snack ever since!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Bites:
1 ½ cups – Warm Water – (about 110°F)
2 ¼ tsp – Active Dry Yeast – (1 standard packet)
1 tsp – Salt
1 tbsp – Granulated Sugar
4 cups – All-Purpose Flour
2 tbsp – Unsalted Butter – (melted)
6 cups – Water – (for boiling)
½ cup – Baking Soda – (for boiling)
For the Topping:
4 tbsp – Unsalted Butter – (melted)
2 cloves – Garlic – (minced)
½ cup – Parmesan Cheese – (freshly grated)
1 tsp – Parsley – (dried)
1 pinch – Flaky Sea Salt – (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring the 6 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil.
- While waiting, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1-inch thick, then cut into 1-inch bites.
- Boil the dough bites in batches for 30 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- While the bites bake, mix the 4 tbsp of melted butter with the minced garlic.
- As soon as the pretzel bites come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Immediately sprinkle with grated parmesan, dried parsley, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Boil! This is the secret step that gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and classic flavor. A quick 30-second dip is all it takes.
- Fresh is Best for Garlic: Using freshly minced garlic in the butter topping makes a world of difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as beautifully. A block of Parmesan you grate yourself will be far superior.
- Make Them Your Own: Feel free to add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the dough or serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping!
