Description
These Spicy Parmesan Pretzel Bites are a flavor explosion with a crispy exterior and a warm, chewy interior. Paired with a tangy mustard dip, they make the perfect appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Then add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until slightly sticky but manageable.
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and carefully add ½ cup of baking soda. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 1-inch thick and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into the baking soda bath using a slotted spoon. Cook for 15-20 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and deep golden brown. Continue with the baking soda bath for the remaining bites.
- While the bites are baking, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle melted butter over warm pretzel bites in a large bowl and toss to coat. Sprinkle the spicy Parmesan mixture over the bites and toss again.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup whole grain mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve the Spicy Parmesan Pretzel Bites immediately with the mustard dip.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pretzel bites
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise. Adjust the spice levels in the coating and dip to suit your taste. Serve warm for the best texture.