Garlic butter pretzel bites are the perfect snack for any time of day. Whether you’re curling up for a movie night at home or looking for something delicious to serve at your next get-together, these little bites of heaven will not disappoint. Good news: they are pretty easy to make! In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple way to prepare garlic butter pretzel bites, so you can impress your taste buds and your friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 4 cups of hot water
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Preparation Steps:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step will help prevent the pretzel bites from sticking and ensure they come out of the oven beautifully browned.
2. Shape the Dough:
Take your pizza dough and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut these ropes into 1-inch pieces to make bite-sized portions. Don’t worry if they’re not all the exact same size; a little variation adds to the charm!
3. The Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, mix the hot water and baking soda until the baking soda is mostly dissolved. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Drop the dough pieces into the water, about 10-15 at a time, letting them sit for about 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture and distinctive flavor.
Using a slotted spoon or spatula, remove the dough pieces from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching too closely.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Before popping the baking sheet into the oven, sprinkle the dough bites with coarse sea salt. This will add a delightful crunch and flavor to the bites.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the pretzel bites turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want to over-bake these beauties.
5. Garlic Butter Time:
While the pretzel bites are baking, it’s time to prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. You want that lovely garlic flavor to infuse the butter without burning it.
6. The Final Touch:
Once the pretzel bites are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Make sure to cover each bite for the ultimate garlicky goodness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the warm, buttery bites for an added layer of flavor.
Serving and Storage:
Serve the garlic butter pretzel bites warm for the best experience. They’re perfectly delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with your favorite dips such as cheese sauce, mustard, or marinara sauce for dipping delight.
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack later.
Conclusion:
And there you have it—a simple, step-by-step guide to making delicious garlic butter pretzel bites. This snack is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile and sure to please any crowd. The combination of the soft, chewy texture with the rich flavor of garlic butter makes these pretzel bites irresistible. So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty treat, give this recipe a try. Happy baking!
