Homemade Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Magic

Garlic parmesan soft pretzels bring a delightful twist to classic comfort food.

These savory treats combine robust flavors that dance across your taste buds with remarkable intensity.

Salt-dusted and golden brown, they promise a culinary experience beyond ordinary snacking expectations.

Warm, pillowy dough redefines into a crisp exterior that crackles with each delectable bite.

Cheese and aromatic garlic meld seamlessly, creating an irresistible combination that beckons hungry palates.

soft yet substantial, these pretzels elevate simple ingredients into a memorable gastronomic adventure.

Rich, indulgent, and wonderfully satisfying, they represent a perfect balance of texture and robust seasoning.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating soft, airy texture with fresh, unexpired package.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness for pretzels with consistent protein content.
• Brown Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds subtle caramel sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast fermentation.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough consistency with precise temperature.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and tender texture to pretzel dough.

• Baking Soda: Creates authentic pretzel crust and golden-brown exterior with traditional alkaline bath.
• Water: Used for baking soda bath to develop signature pretzel texture.

• Garlic, Minced Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor with fresh, finely chopped cloves.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, glossy coating for pretzels with smooth melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish with freshly grated texture.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies garlic flavor with concentrated seasoning.
• Dried Parsley: Provides subtle herb accent and visual appeal.
• Salt: Enhances topping's overall seasoning profile.

How to Twist and Bake Soft Pretzels with Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast Mixture

• Yeast
• Brown sugar
• Warm water

Whisk together and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy.

Step 3: Create the Pretzel Dough

• Remaining warm water
• Flour
• Salt

Start mixing on low speed, slowly pour in melted butter. Increase to medium speed and knead for 7 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Shape Pretzel Masterpieces

Move dough to clean surface. Divide into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch log. Form classic pretzel shape by creating a “U”, crossing ends, twisting, and bringing down. Place on prepared baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 5: Create Baking Soda Bath

• Baking soda
• Water

Carefully dip pretzels in solution for 30 seconds per side using a slotted spoon. Return to baking sheets. Make two small slashes on thickest part of each pretzel.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 16 minutes. Rotate trays halfway through for even browning. Adjust time for softer or crispier texture.

Step 7: Craft Garlic Butter Topping

• Melt butter
• Add minced garlic
• Cook until fragrant

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Parsley

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

While pretzels are warm, brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle lavishly with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Serve immediately while warm.

Tips for Buttery Texture and Rich Flavor

• Master the Dough Consistency: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring a perfect pretzel texture without overworking the mixture.
• Nail the Baking Soda Bath: Briefly boil pretzels in the baking soda solution to achieve that signature golden-brown crust and authentic pretzel flavor.
• Control Baking Time Carefully: Watch pretzels closely during baking- 16 minutes creates a perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Brush warm pretzels generously with garlic butter to maximize the savory, aromatic coating that makes these pretzels irresistible.
• Handle Dough with Precision: Use gentle techniques when rolling and shaping logs to maintain air pockets and create beautiful, consistent pretzel shapes.

How to Store and Refresh Pretzels Later

• Refrigerate: Place cooled pretzels in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese to restore their fresh-baked flavor and texture.

Best Dips for Garlic Parmesan Pretzels

• Pair with Zesty Beer Blast: Complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors with a crisp, hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that cuts through the richness of the pretzels.
• Create a Creamy Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or herb-infused ranch dressing to enhance the pretzels' savory notes and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, whose acidity and slight tannic structure beautifully balance the buttery, cheesy pretzel flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Tomato Companion: Prepare a quick marinara or tomato-based dipping sauce to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, garlicky pretzels.

Why Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels Are So Addictive

• Create Restaurant-Quality Soft Pretzels: Craft professional-level soft pretzels with a simple home recipe that delivers bakery-worthy results without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Unleash Bold Garlic Parmesan Flavor: Experience an explosive combination of rich, melted butter, fragrant garlic, and sharp Parmesan cheese that transforms classic pretzels into a mouthwatering gourmet snack.
• Master the Perfect Soft Pretzel Texture: Achieve a delightful contrast between a crispy golden exterior and a soft, pillowy interior through the unique baking soda bath technique that guarantees authentic pretzel texture and shine.
• Quick Homemade Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delicious crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack in just over an hour, perfect for game days, movie nights, or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.

Flavor Changes to Keep Pretzels Fresh

• Herb Lovers' Pretzel Feast: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic herbal kick that elevates the traditional garlic flavor.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne to the garlic butter for a zesty, warm pretzel that brings southwestern heat to your table.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate dried oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning to transform the pretzels into a Mediterranean-inspired snack with tangy and earthy notes.
• Truffle Indulgence: Drizzle white truffle oil over the warm pretzels after brushing with garlic butter and sprinkle with fine Parmigiano-Reggiano for a luxurious gourmet experience.

Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 46 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan soft pretzels deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic street fare with bold Italian-inspired flavors. Salt-crusted dough gets elevated by zesty garlic and rich parmesan, creating an irresistible snack you cannot resist pulling apart and savoring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups (635 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 grams) warm water
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt

Baking and Topping Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup baking soda
• 10 cups water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining it with warm water and brown sugar, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes until frothy and bubbling.
2. Create a smooth, elastic dough by incorporating flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture, kneading thoroughly until the texture becomes uniform and pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl.
3. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, carefully rolling each piece into an elongated rope approximately 20 inches long with gentle, consistent pressure.
4. Transform each rope into a classic pretzel shape by forming a “U”, crossing the ends, twisting them together, and pressing down to create the traditional pretzel silhouette.
5. Allow the shaped pretzels to rest and expand, covering them to prevent moisture loss and enabling gentle rising for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Prepare a baking soda bath by bringing water and baking soda to a gentle simmer, then briefly submerge each pretzel for 30 seconds per side to develop a rich, golden exterior.
7. Make subtle scoring marks on the thickest part of each pretzel to enhance visual appeal and promote even baking.
8. Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven, rotating trays midway to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration and optimal texture.
9. Craft a fragrant garlic butter mixture by gently heating butter with minced garlic, then enhancing it with salt, garlic powder, and fresh parsley.
10. Finish the pretzels by generously brushing them with the aromatic garlic butter and sprinkling abundantly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while still warm.
11. Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum flavor and optimal texture of these savory, golden-brown pretzels.

Notes

• Activate yeast with warm water and brown sugar to ensure a perfect, fluffy dough rise.
• Knead dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, which guarantees a tender pretzel texture.
• Use a baking soda bath to achieve that classic golden-brown pretzel exterior with a crispy crust.
• Score pretzels before baking to help them expand evenly and create a professional bakery look.
• Brush warm pretzels immediately with garlic butter for maximum flavor absorption and irresistible aroma.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, enjoying the warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg