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To make these tasty pretzel bites, gather the following ingredients: - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup baking soda (for the water bath) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh rosemary adds a bright, fragrant note. Minced garlic gives a strong, savory flavor. When chopping rosemary, be sure to use a sharp knife. This helps keep the aroma intact. For garlic, mince it finely to spread the flavor evenly. The better your ingredients, the better your pretzel bites will taste. Quality ingredients matter in any recipe. Using good flour helps your dough rise well. Active dry yeast must be fresh for the best results. If your yeast is old, it may not foam properly. This can lead to dense pretzel bites. Always check your ingredients before starting. When you pay attention to quality, you create a more delicious snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. Mix 1 ½ cups warm water with 1 packet of yeast and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a medium bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to get foamy. This shows your yeast is active. Next, in a big bowl, mix 4 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in your melted 4 tablespoons of butter and the foamy yeast mix. Stir everything until the dough begins to form. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. You need a smooth and elastic dough. After kneading, put your dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. Once your dough has risen, it’s time to shape the pretzel bites. Punch the dough down gently to let out air. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope that is about 1 inch thick. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape. Make sure to pinch the ends well to keep the shape. Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, prepare for boiling. In a large pot, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 8 cups of water. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat 1 egg. Brush this egg wash over each pretzel. Then, sprinkle them with coarse sea salt, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Bake the pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool a bit before serving. To get the best texture, start with warm water. It helps the yeast grow. The dough should feel soft and smooth after kneading. Knead for 5-7 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tiny bit of flour. Letting the dough rise is key. It should double in size. This step makes the pretzel light and airy. For that perfect golden color, preheat your oven to 450°F. After boiling the pretzel bites, brush them with an egg wash. This adds shine and helps with browning. Make sure to watch them closely as they bake. They should take about 12-15 minutes to turn golden. If they look too pale, give them a few more minutes. Serve these pretzel bites warm for the best taste. A rustic basket lined with parchment paper looks nice. Pair them with garlic herb butter or a tangy mustard dip. You can also serve them with a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These flavors enhance the garlic and rosemary. Don't forget to share them while they're fresh! Pro Tips Perfectly Warm Water: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F) for optimal yeast activation—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cool may not activate it properly. Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which gives your pretzels their chewy texture. Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda bath; it’s essential for that signature pretzel flavor and chewy crust! Flavor Boost: For added flavor, experiment with toppings like everything bagel seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese along with the rosemary and garlic. {{image_2}} You can take your pretzel bites to the next level by adding cheese. Simply roll your dough into small balls. Before sealing them, insert a cube of your favorite cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella works great. Then, twist and shape them as usual. This cheesy delight melts during baking, creating a gooey center. It adds richness that pairs well with rosemary and garlic. If you crave some heat, try spicy garlic pretzel bites. Add red pepper flakes and extra minced garlic to the dough. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. After boiling, sprinkle with coarse sea salt. This will give each bite an exciting flavor that makes your taste buds dance. For herb lovers, get creative! Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives with the rosemary and garlic. You can even use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Adjust the amount to your liking. This will give your pretzel bites a fragrant, flavorful twist. The mix of herbs can make each bite feel special and unique. These variations are easy to make and add fun to your snack time. Enjoy experimenting! You might not finish all the pretzel bites. That’s okay! To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If they start to feel soft, don’t worry. A quick reheat will bring back their crunch. When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy on the outside. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just remember to keep it short, around 20 seconds each. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still taste good! If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the pretzel bites cool completely after baking. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your pretzel bites anytime! Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it first. Mix it with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes. You will see bubbles forming, which means it is ready. This step helps the yeast wake up and works well in the recipe. To boost flavor, add herbs and spices. Mixing in garlic powder or onion powder can add depth. You can also try different cheeses. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can give a nice twist. Using fresh herbs, like thyme or oregano, can also enhance the taste. Pretzel bites taste great with many dips. Classic mustard is a favorite. You can also use cheese sauce for a rich option. Garlic herb butter is a delicious choice too. For a spicy kick, try sriracha or hot honey. Each dip adds a fun twist to your snack! You now know how to create delicious rosemary garlic pretzel bites. We covered the key ingredients and the step-by-step process to make them. I shared helpful tips for texture and finish, as well as tasty variations to explore. You also learned how to store and reheat leftovers for the best taste. Pretzel bites are fun and tasty snacks that everyone loves. Enjoy making them!

Rosemary Garlic Pretzel Bites

Delicious soft pretzel bites infused with rosemary and garlic, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup baking soda (for the water bath)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Dissolve the baking soda in 8 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small rope, about 1 inch thick, and then twist into a pretzel shape.
  • Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush each boiled pretzel with the egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm pretzel bites in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. Pair with a small bowl of garlic herb butter or mustard for dipping!
Keyword garlic, pretzel, rosemary, snack