Garlic Butter Pretzel Bites with Parmesan and Cheese Dip

Soft homemade pretzel bites are boiled for a chewy crust, baked until deeply golden, then brushed with garlic butter and Parmesan. Serve them warm with a creamy cheese dip for an easy party appetizer.

Prep: 30 min · Cook: 20 min · Yield: 8 · Method: Oven

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons fine salt
• 0.5 cup baking soda
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon fine salt

Cooking instructions

1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy. Stir in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. (about 5 min) — Warm water, about 110°F
2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled. (about 45 min) — Room temperature
3. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long, then cut each rope into 8 pieces. (about 10 min) — 425°F
4. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully stir in the baking soda. Working in batches, boil the dough pieces for 30 seconds, turning once. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. (about 8 min) — Boiling
5. Bake the pretzel bites for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until puffed and deep golden brown. (about 15 min) — 425°F
6. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Brush the hot pretzel bites with the garlic butter and toss with the Parmesan. (about 3 min) — Low heat
7. For the dip, warm the cream cheese and milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add the cheddar a handful at a time and stir until melted. Season with salt and serve warm alongside the pretzel bites. (about 7 min) — Low heat