Buttery Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe for Snack Heaven

Soft, warm pretzels with a garlic parmesan twist tantalize taste buds like nothing else.

These golden-brown delights bring bakery magic straight to your kitchen.

The irresistible combination of robust garlic and sharp parmesan creates an unbeatable flavor profile.

Each pretzel emerges crispy on the outside and pillowy soft inside.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, promising a delectable snack that’s both comforting and gourmet.

Homemade pretzels might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks down every step with simplicity.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch these pretzels become your new favorite savory treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 208 kcal

Servings: 13

Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels: What You’ll Need

• Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that gives pretzels their fluffy texture, choose fresh and within expiration date.
• Brown Sugar: Subtle sweetener that helps yeast activate and adds depth of flavor, look for moist, clump-free variety.
• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of pretzel structure, select unbleached flour for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances pretzel's flavors, use fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

• Warm Water: Essential for yeast activation and dough hydration, temperature should feel comfortably warm like bathwater.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, ensure it's melted and slightly cooled before adding.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and chewy exterior, use fresh box for maximum effectiveness.
• Water: Provides medium for baking soda bath, use clean, fresh water.

• Butter: Creates luscious coating and carries garlic flavor, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Provides bold, aromatic punch, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Amplifies garlic essence, select high-quality brand for consistent taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and subtle herbaceous note, choose bright green leaves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty finish, grate fresh for maximum flavor impact.

Kitchen Tools for Pretzel Baking

• Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough quickly and efficiently.
• Dough Hook: Crucial attachment for mixing and developing pretzel dough.
• Large Pot: Needed for the baking soda bath to give pretzels their classic texture.
• Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden-brown bottoms.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing pretzels from the baking soda bath.
• Small Saucepan: Used for melting butter and cooking garlic for topping.
• Paring Knife: Great for scoring pretzels before baking.
• Pastry Brush: Helps spread garlic butter evenly on warm pretzels.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to successful pretzels.

Making Garlic Parmesan Pretzels

• Dough Preparation

Gather kitchen tools like a stand mixer with a dough hook. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in the mixer bowl. Let the mixture become bubbly and frothy. Add remaining water, flour, and salt. Mix gradually while incorporating melted butter. Knead until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic texture.

• Pretzel Shaping

Divide the dough into ten portions. Roll each piece into a long rope. Create a “U” shape, cross the ends, twist, and fold down to form classic pretzel curves. Place shaped pretzels on prepared baking sheets.

• Soda Bath Technique

Fill a large pot with water and baking soda. Bring to a gentle boil. Carefully dunk each pretzel in the solution for half a minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheets.

• Baking Process

Heat the oven to 400°F. Bake pretzels until golden brown, rotating trays midway for even coloring. Baking time varies based on desired softness or crispiness.

• Flavor Boost

Melt butter in a small pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in seasonings. Brush warm pretzels generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

• Serving

Enjoy pretzels immediately while warm and aromatic. Perfect for sharing with friends or as a delightful snack.

Tips for Golden, Cheesy Soft Pretzels

• Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile.
• Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore their soft texture and crispy exterior.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Romano instead of Parmesan to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• Craft complementary sauces like spicy marinara, herbed ranch, or creamy mustard to transform these pretzels into an interactive and exciting appetizer that guests will adore.
• Prepare the pretzel dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to develop and making the baking process more convenient for busy home cooks.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange pretzels on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
• Snack Stadium Champion: Pack these pretzels in lunch boxes, picnic baskets, or game day platters as a hearty, flavorful alternative to standard snacks that will impress both kids and adults.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the warm pretzels alongside creamy tomato soup, hearty chili, or as a side to grilled chicken for a delightful meal enhancement that adds texture and robust garlic-parmesan flavor.
• Weekend Brunch Upgrade: Serve these pretzels alongside scrambled eggs, frittatas, or as part of a brunch charcuterie board to elevate your morning gathering with a gourmet touch.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Pretzels

• Quick Snack Strategy: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or unexpected guests. These pretzels work brilliantly as appetizers or casual party treats that everyone will love.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original warmth and crispy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag. Frozen pretzels maintain quality for approximately 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pretzel dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then complete shaping and baking the next day for maximum convenience and fresh-baked flavor.

Gourmet Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade garlic parmesan soft pretzels combine classic German bakery techniques with bold Italian flavors. Salt-sprinkled dough knots deliver cheesy comfort perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups (635 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water
• 8 tbsps (114 g) unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp fine sea salt
• ⅔ cup baking soda
• 10 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with brown sugar, allowing the mixture to foam and become active for 5 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Merge flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms that cleanly separates from the mixing bowl’s sides.
3. Shaping: Portion the dough into 10 pieces, rolling each into 20-inch ropes, then transforming them into classic pretzel shapes by creating a “U”, crossing ends, and pressing to seal the traditional twisted silhouette.
4. Proofing: Cover pretzels and let them rest for 30 minutes, allowing gentle expansion and moisture retention.
5. Baking Soda Bath: Briefly simmer pretzels in baking soda-infused water for 30 seconds per side to develop a rich, golden crust.
6. Baking: Transfer pretzels to a preheated oven, rotating midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent texture.
7. Garlic Butter Finish: Craft a fragrant butter mixture by warming minced garlic with butter, then incorporating salt, garlic powder, and fresh parsley.
8. Final Touch: Brush warm pretzels generously with garlic butter and sprinkle abundantly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Serving: Present immediately to capture the peak of flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Warm water temperature is crucial; too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation. Aim for 110-115°F for perfect blooming.
• Master Dough Consistency: Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, pulling cleanly from bowl edges. Proper kneading develops gluten for ideal pretzel texture.
• Control Pretzel Shaping: Roll ropes evenly and gently to maintain uniform thickness. Consistent shape ensures balanced baking and professional appearance.
• Optimize Baking Soda Bath: Brief 30-second submersion creates signature pretzel crust. Maintains golden-brown exterior and enhances traditional chewy texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 208
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 414 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 16 mg