Buttery Garlic Herb Pretzel Bites are a delightful treat that never fails to impress. As a lover of all things savory, I can confidently say that these little morsels are the perfect combination of soft, chewy pretzel dough infused with a rich garlic herb butter that elevates them to a whole new level. Originating from the beloved German pretzel tradition, these bites have become a favorite snack in many cultures, often enjoyed at gatherings, parties, or simply as a comforting indulgence at home.
What makes Buttery Garlic Herb Pretzel Bites so irresistible is their incredible flavor and texture. The warm, buttery coating envelops each bite, while the herbs add a fragrant touch that tantalizes the senses. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, these pretzel bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends, leaving everyone craving more!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)
Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go!
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a dough begins to form. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the Baking Soda Bath
- While the dough is rising, prepare the baking soda bath. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda. Be cautious, as it will bubble up! Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved.
- Remove the pot from heat and set it aside to cool slightly while the dough finishes rising.
Shaping the Pretzel Bites
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.
- Cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch long. You should have about 40-50 pretzel bites.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Boiling the Pretzel Bites
- Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the baking soda bath at a time. Boil them for about 30 seconds, turning them halfway through. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel bites from the bath and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each bite.
- Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top of each pretzel bite for added flavor.
Baking the Pretzel Bites
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
- While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and rosemary. Stir and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Once the pretzel bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic herb butter mixture. Make sure to coat them generously for that buttery flavor!
Serving the Pretzel Bites
- Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
- These pretzel bites are best served warm, so gather
Conclusion:
In summary, these Buttery Garlic Herb Pretzel Bites are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snacking game. The combination of warm, soft pretzel bites infused with rich garlic and aromatic herbs creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a cozy movie marathon, or just craving a delicious treat, these pretzel bites are the perfect addition to any occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing them with a zesty mustard dip or a creamy cheese sauce to take your snacking experience to the next level. You can also experiment with variations by adding different herbs or spices to the dough, or even incorporating cheese into the center for a gooey surprise. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Buttery Garlic Herb Pretzel Bites turn out and any creative twists you might add. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands doughy, and enjoy the delightful process of making these scrumptious bites. Happy snacking! PrintButtery Garlic Herb Pretzel Bites: The Ultimate Snack Recipe for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 pieces 1x
Description
These garlic herb pretzel bites are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them an ideal snack or party treat. Easy to prepare and deliciously addictive, they are brushed with a fragrant garlic herb butter for an irresistible finish. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the baking soda bath. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
- Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda and stir until fully dissolved.
- Remove the pot from heat and set it aside to cool slightly while the dough finishes rising.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.
- Cut each rope into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch long.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Carefully drop a few pretzel bites into the baking soda bath at a time and boil them for about 30 seconds, turning them halfway through.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel bites from the bath and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top of each pretzel bite for added flavor.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
- While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare the garlic herb butter by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat and adding the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and rosemary.
- Once the pretzel bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic herb butter mixture.
- Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
- These pretzel bites are best served warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can experiment with different herbs or spices in the garlic butter.
- These pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes