Garlic Parmesan Knotted Pretzels

$- 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 large egg, beaten - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Coarse sea salt, for topping To make your Garlic Parmesan Knotted Pretzels, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with warm water. This helps the yeast activate. The yeast is key to making your pretzels rise. Next, have granulated sugar ready. It feeds the yeast and helps it work well. For the dough, use all-purpose flour and salt. These dry ingredients make a perfect base. You will also need baking soda. This creates that nice, chewy pretzel texture when you boil the knots. For the toppings, grab grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic. These add so much flavor. Dried oregano brings in a nice herbal note. Lastly, coarse sea salt gives that extra crunch on top. With these ingredients, you can make a snack that everyone will love. The rich garlic and cheese flavor pairs perfectly with the soft pretzel texture. Let’s get cooking! 1. Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Make sure the water is between 110°F to 115°F. This warm water helps the yeast wake up. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. 2. Next, add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Then knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes. You want a smooth and soft dough. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more flour. 3. Once kneaded, place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot. Wait for about 1 hour. The dough will double in size, which means it’s ready for the next step. 1. After the dough rises, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. 2. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12 inches long. Then, twist the rope into a knot shape. Make sure the ends are tucked under so they hold their shape. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. This step gives the pretzels that classic chewy texture. 3. Carefully drop each knotted pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them back on the baking sheets. 4. Brush each pretzel with a beaten egg. Then sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of coarse sea salt. 5. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell amazing. 6. While they bake, mix melted butter with dried oregano. Brush this mixture over the warm pretzels when they come out of the oven for extra flavor. These steps will help you create delicious garlic Parmesan knotted pretzels that everyone will love. Enjoy the process and the yummy result! Kneading time is key for good pretzels. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, giving your pretzels a nice chew. If you knead too little, the dough may be dense. Too much kneading can make it tough. For the best rise, find a warm spot. Cover the dough with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about an hour. The dough should double in size. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it near a warm oven. This makes sure the yeast works well. You can boost flavor with extra spices. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste. A dash of cayenne pepper adds heat, too. Mix these spices into the dough for extra depth. Cheese options are fun to play with. While Parmesan is tasty, cheddar brings a sharp flavor. Mozzarella offers a gooey texture. You can even try vegan cheese for a dairy-free twist. Just make sure it melts well! {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in these pretzels. Cheddar and mozzarella are great options. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds a nice stretch. If you want a vegan twist, try vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks. You can add more flavor to your pretzels. Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, work well. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. Want something sweet? Try adding cinnamon and sugar instead. This sweet twist gives a new take on the classic pretzel. To keep your garlic Parmesan knotted pretzels fresh, you have two options: refrigeration or freezing. - Refrigeration: Place cooled pretzels in an airtight container. They stay good for up to 3 days. Keep them away from moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy. - Freezing: Wrap pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps avoid freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. - Reheat in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels directly on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This will restore their crispiness. - Microwave option: You can use a microwave, but this may make them soft. Place a damp paper towel over the pretzel and heat for 20-30 seconds. For best quality, aim to eat your pretzels within 3 days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, they taste best within the first month. Signs of spoilage include: - Odor: If they smell sour or off, it’s time to toss them. - Texture: If they feel slimy or too hard, they are no longer good. - Mold: Any visible mold means they are unsafe to eat. Keeping an eye on these signs helps you enjoy your pretzels at their best quality. How do I make pretzel dough without yeast? You can use baking powder instead. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder for a quick dough. Add warm water to form a soft mix. Knead it gently, shape your pretzels, and boil them in water with baking soda. This gives them a nice texture. Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can! Make the dough and let it rise. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it warm up before shaping. This step helps the dough rise evenly. What is the best way to serve garlic parmesan knotted pretzels? Serve them warm for the best taste. Pair with marinara sauce or cheese dip for fun. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan on top or add fresh herbs. Serving with a drink, like beer or lemonade, makes for a tasty snack. In this article, we explored how to make delicious pretzels from scratch. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for great texture. Plus, we talked about tasty variations and storage methods. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors or methods. With time, you’ll master pretzel making. Enjoy your homemade pretzels fresh or share them with friends and family!$

Garlic Parmesan Knotted Pretzels

Indulge in the ultimate snack with these delicious Garlic Parmesan Knotted Pretzels! Perfectly soft and topped with a heavenly blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, these pretzels are a must-try for anyone craving a tasty treat. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to make them at home! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snack game today! #GarlicParmesanPretzels #PretzelRecipe #SnackIdeas #HomemadeSnacks

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Ingredients

2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup baking soda

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Coarse sea salt, for topping

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and then twist it into a knot shape.

Carefully drop each knotted pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, using a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheets.

Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a dash of coarse sea salt.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with dried oregano and brush over the warm pretzels when they come out of the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12