These Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites are little nuggets of joy! Soft, chewy pretzels covered in a buttery garlic flavor and topped with cheesy goodness will make your taste buds dance.
Fun fact: these bites disappear fast at parties! I love serving them warm with a side of marinara sauce—it’s such a tasty combo, and you’ll definitely want to have extras on hand!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough or Pretzel Dough: A package of refrigerated pizza dough works great. If you want to make it from scratch, no problem! You could also try using biscuit dough in a pinch—it gives a different texture but is still delicious.
Baking Soda: This ingredient is crucial for giving pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep brown color. Don’t skip it! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, there are gluten-free pretzel mixes available that substitute wheat flour.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is my go-to for the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese is acceptable if that’s what you have. You can also experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Romano for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best option for flavor, but garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available. I often like to add an extra clove because I enjoy that strong garlic taste!
How Do You Boil Pretzel Bites for the Best Texture?
The boiling step is vital for creating that chewy, pretzel-like texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Once your water is boiling, carefully add the baking soda. It will bubble up, so take caution!
- Use a slotted spoon to gently add the dough bites to the boiling water, no more than 5-6 at a time.
- Boil each batch for about 30 seconds. This helps set the dough and gives it that characteristic flavor.
- Remove them quickly and place them on the baking sheets to prepare for baking.
Remember, the bubbling water helps to create the pretzel surface needed for that lovely golden crust!
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or pretzel dough
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes of cooking time. So overall, you can have these delicious Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites ready in about 45-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will help prevent the pretzel bites from sticking!
2. Cut The Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza or pretzel dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for little nuggets of deliciousness!
3. Boil the Dough Bites:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up, so be cautious!). Working in small batches, gently drop the dough bites into the boiling water and let them boil for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake Until Golden Brown:
Once all the dough bites have been boiled, pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and look irresistible!
5. Make the Garlic Butter:
While your pretzel bites are baking, take a small bowl and combine the melted butter with the minced garlic. This will give your pretzel bites that delicious garlic flavor.
6. Brush and Season:
As soon as the pretzel bites are out of the oven and still warm, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Then sprinkle them evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, and a light dusting of coarse sea salt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These pretzel bites are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with a tasty side of marinara sauce or mustard for dipping.
Enjoy your soft, chewy, buttery Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites!
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough, a basic pretzel dough recipe will work perfectly. Just be sure it’s the right consistency—smooth and elastic but not too sticky!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also refrigerate them for about a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and cut the bites up to a day in advance. Keep the uncooked bites covered in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve them, you can follow the boiling and baking steps directly.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or asiago. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also add a nice touch!
