Garlic and Parmesan—a duo so divine, it’s like the culinary equivalent of a power couple. Imagine, if you will, a bite-sized delight that combines the chewy satisfaction of a pretzel with the irresistible allure of garlic and cheese. I stumbled upon this recipe during a random scroll through cooking videos late at night, and ever since, it’s been my go-to for when cravings hit hard.
Steps
- In a cup of warm water, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, adding up to 1 cup more flour as needed. The dough should become smooth and elastic, bouncing back when poked.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise for one hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a clean surface. Flatten it into a disc and cut it into 16 equal wedges.
- Roll each wedge into a rope about 1/2 inch in diameter and cut into 1-inch sections. Arrange the pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets misted with non-stick spray.
- Allow the pretzel bites to rise for about 30 minutes until they are soft and pillowy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Boil 15-20 pretzel bites at a time for about 90 seconds, stirring gently.
- Remove the boiled bites with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack. Repeat until all bites are boiled.
- Once drained, return the bites to the baking sheets. Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the pretzel bites.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until they are deep golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly after baking.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and some freshly cracked pepper.
- Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a separate bowl. Place the baked pretzel bites in a large bowl, pour melted butter over them, and toss to coat.
- Add the Parmesan mixture to the pretzel bites and toss again to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one 1/4 oz. envelope)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2034kcal | Carbohydrates: 342g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 36g | Sodium: 11592mg | Fiber: 9g
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use store-bought frozen bread dough if you prefer not to make your own dough. It simplifies the process while still allowing you to enjoy delicious pretzel bites.
- What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?
- The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their unique characteristics. This alkaline bath creates the thick, chewy skin and imparts the slightly bitter “pretzel” flavor.
- How do I ensure the pretzel bites have a shiny, deep brown appearance?
- To achieve a shiny and deep brown finish, brush the boiled pretzel bites with an egg wash (a mixture of one egg and a tablespoon of water) before baking.
- Can I customize the flavor of the pretzel bites?
- Absolutely! While the recipe features Parmesan and garlic, you can experiment with different coatings, such as cinnamon and sugar, to suit your taste preferences.
- How should I serve the pretzel bites at a party?
- These pretzel bites make a great party appetizer. Serve them with toothpicks and offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience for your guests.
Tips
- To achieve that distinct pretzel flavor and texture, ensure you boil the pretzel bites in a baking soda water bath. This step is crucial for developing the chewy skin and slightly bitter taste characteristic of pretzels.
- If time is a constraint, consider using store-bought frozen bread dough as an alternative to making your own dough. This shortcut can help you whip up these delicious bites more quickly without compromising on taste.
- When cutting the dough into pretzel bites, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking. This will help each piece cook consistently and achieve a uniform golden brown color.
- For an extra flavor boost, feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations beyond parmesan and garlic. For instance, a cinnamon and sugar coating can offer a sweet variation that’s perfect for dessert.
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Slotted spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Pastry brush
