Description
These Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels are delightfully crispy and buttery on the outside, with a soft and chewy interior. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, they make a perfect savory snack or game day treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup (237 ml) warm water (about 110°F)
Dough
- 5 cups (635 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) warm water (about 110°F)
Baking Soda Bath
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, brown sugar, and 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Add the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of warm water to the activated yeast mixture. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 18-20 inches long. Form each rope into a classic pretzel shape by making a U shape, crossing the ends over twice, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a gentle boil. Add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up). Using a slotted spatula, gently dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 20-30 seconds. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, or until pretzels are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While baking, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush and Garnish: Immediately after removing the pretzels from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan or coarse sea salt after baking.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, increase the minced garlic to 5 cloves.
- Ensure the water is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- Use fresh yeast for best results and check expiration dates on dry yeast.
- These pretzels are best served fresh but can be reheated in an oven for a few minutes to regain softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
