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Crispy Parmesan Garlic Pretzel Bites Easy Homemade Snack Recipe

crispy parmesan garlic pretzel bites - featured image

These crispy Parmesan garlic pretzel bites are a quick and easy homemade snack with a crunchy exterior, soft inside, and a savory cheesy garlic flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they come together in under an hour using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 480g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water (for boiling)
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (1 ½ cups) and sugar, stirring gently. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it starts coming together, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer dough hook for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare boiling solution: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  6. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the risen dough, roll into a 1-inch thick rope, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  7. Boil the bites: Drop 6-8 pieces into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
  8. Apply egg wash: Brush tops of the boiled pretzel bites with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, parsley flakes (optional), and coarse sea salt.
  11. Transfer to a cooling rack to keep crispiness. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm water around 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for best texture. Boiling in baking soda water is essential for the classic pretzel crust. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even crispiness. If bites aren’t browning well, increase oven temperature by 10°F or bake a few minutes longer. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute flour and butter accordingly. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for stronger flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel bites, Parmesan, garlic, snack recipe, homemade pretzels, easy snack, crispy pretzels, baking soda bath, cheesy pretzels