I’ll admit it – I’m a huge fan of pretzels. Whether soft or crispy, classic or creative, there’s something about the salty, doughy goodness of a fresh pretzel that always hits the spot. But when I first made these buttery garlic herb pretzel bites, they blew my mind! Perfectly soft, lightly salted, and coated with a delicious garlic herb butter, these pretzel bites are everything you’ve ever wanted in a snack or appetizer. And the best part? You can make them at home, fresh out of the oven, ready to devour in minutes.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Versatile
These buttery garlic herb pretzel bites are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. You can even make them bite-sized for game days or larger for dipping. And don’t be afraid to get creative – these pretzels pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, from classic cheese to spicy mustard or even a creamy ranch dip.
Budget-friendly
Making pretzels at home is surprisingly budget-friendly. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store, and with just a few pantry staples, you can make a whole batch without breaking the bank. Pretzels are also filling, so they’re perfect for serving a crowd without worrying about running out.
Ingredients for the recipe:
-
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
-
1 packet active dry yeast
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
10 cups water
-
1/4 cup baking soda
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
-
1 tablespoon garlic powder
-
1 tablespoon dried parsley
-
Salt for sprinkling
These pretzel bites are a perfect balance of soft and chewy with a buttery, garlicky finish that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you make them for a family gathering, a night in with friends, or just because, they’re sure to impress.
How to make this recipe
-
Activate the yeast:
Start by combining the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, stirring gently to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your dough rises perfectly and has the right texture. -
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture along with the melted butter. Stir everything together with a spoon until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. -
Let the dough rise:
Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you gently press your finger into the dough and the indentation stays. -
Prepare the water bath:
While the dough is rising, bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the baking soda to the water. The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden color. Let the water come to a rolling boil while you prepare the next steps. -
Shape the pretzel bites:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2-inch thick. Then, cut the rope into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in length. These will be your pretzel bites. -
Boil the pretzel bites:
Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water one at a time. You’ll want to cook them in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pot. Boil them for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through with a slotted spoon to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re done, remove them from the water and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Bake the pretzel bites:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once all the pretzel bites are on the baking sheet, sprinkle them with salt. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them – you want them to be perfectly browned, not overdone. -
Coat with garlic herb butter:
While the pretzel bites are baking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley to create a fragrant garlic herb butter. Once the pretzels come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic herb butter, ensuring each bite gets a good coating. This step will give them that irresistible flavor that you can’t resist. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once they’re brushed with garlic herb butter, let the pretzel bites cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, and I guarantee they won’t last long. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra layer of flavor!
Quick and easy
This recipe is quick to make and requires just a few simple steps. Once the dough is ready, the rest of the process comes together easily. The whole batch can be completed in under 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a snack or a last-minute appetizer. Even better, most of the steps require very little active time, so you can focus on other things while the pretzels bake.
Customizable
Feel free to customize these pretzel bites to suit your taste. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter for a cheesy twist, or incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough itself for extra flavor. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Perfect for guests
These pretzel bites are fantastic for parties, family gatherings, or any casual get-together. They’re fun to eat, shareable, and absolutely delicious. Plus, they look impressive on the table – no one will believe you made them at home! Serve them with a variety of dips like mustard, cheese sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
These buttery garlic herb pretzel bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Soft, chewy, and coated in a garlicky, herb-infused butter, they’re the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly. Whole wheat flour tends to make the dough denser, so you may need to add a bit more water to achieve the right consistency.
2. Can I freeze the pretzel bites before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites before baking. After boiling and before baking, place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into a preheated oven and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
3. Can I use a different flavor for the butter coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the butter. Try adding some grated cheese, chili flakes, or even a little honey for a sweet and salty finish.
4. How do I store leftover pretzel bites?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes to bring them back to life.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading the dough, cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the pretzel bites.