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To make delicious garlic Parmesan pretzel knots, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Coarse sea salt, for topping Gathering these ingredients sets the stage for a tasty snack. Each item plays a role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. Flour gives the dough structure. Yeast makes it rise. Sugar helps the yeast work. Salt adds flavor. Warm water activates the yeast. Baking soda creates that classic pretzel taste. Butter, Parmesan, garlic, and oregano coat the knots in flavor. Finally, coarse salt gives that perfect finishing touch. When you have all these ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying your garlic Parmesan pretzel knots. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water. Use water that is about 110°F. This warmth helps the yeast wake up. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about five minutes. You should see bubbles forming; that means it’s ready. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. This dough will become your pretzel knots. Now it’s time to knead the dough. Place it on a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. When it feels right, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. The dough should double in size during this time. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and shape it into a knot. Make sure the knots are tight so they hold their shape. Fill a large pot with 5 cups of water and add 2/3 cup of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Carefully add the pretzel knots to the boiling water. Boil them for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this garlic mixture over each pretzel knot. For extra flavor, sprinkle coarse sea salt and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You want them to be golden brown. Once they are ready, let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your garlic Parmesan pretzel knots warm! Kneading is key for good pretzel knots. It helps develop gluten, which gives them a nice chew. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. A well-kneaded dough will rise better too. For rising, warm is best. Find a cozy spot in your kitchen. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise for about an hour. It should double in size. Want to add more flavor? Try herbs like rosemary or thyme. They mix well with garlic and cheese. You can also use smoked paprika for a fun twist. For garlic and cheese variations, go bold! Use more garlic or toss in some crushed red pepper. Mix different cheeses for a unique taste. Cheddar or mozzarella can work well too. These pretzel knots shine when served warm. Pair them with mustard or cheese dip for extra fun. You can even drizzle melted butter on top. For presentation, sprinkle chopped parsley for a pop of color. Arrange the knots on a nice platter. This makes them look inviting and tasty. Enjoy your snack! Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh active dry yeast. Make sure it’s not expired for optimal rising. Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. Perfect Boiling Solution: The baking soda bath gives the pretzels their signature flavor and chewy texture. Don’t skip this step! Brush with Garlic Butter: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the pretzels with garlic butter immediately after boiling and before baking. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese for these pretzel knots. Cheddar adds a sharp kick. Mozzarella gives a nice melt. Mixing different cheeses can create a fun flavor party. Try blending Parmesan with cheddar for a zesty twist. Each cheese brings its own charm, so don't be afraid to experiment. If you need to avoid gluten, you can use gluten-free flour. Many brands work well for baking. For a vegan option, swap the butter for a plant-based version. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. Both changes keep the flavor while fitting into your diet. Want to spice things up? Add herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could even sprinkle some chili flakes for heat. If you prefer sweet, try a cinnamon sugar topping. This gives a whole new vibe to your pretzel knots. The possibilities are endless and add fun to your snack! To store your garlic Parmesan pretzel knots in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. Keep them fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them extra tasty, let them cool completely before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel knots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy, like fresh from the oven. If you want to save your pretzel knots for later, freezing is the way to go. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each knot tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them again, take the knots out. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, they'll regain their soft texture and flavor. To make the dough rise faster, keep it warm. I suggest placing it in a cozy spot. An oven with the light on can work well. You can also put a bowl of hot water nearby. The steam helps create warmth and moisture. Just be sure the water isn’t too hot, or it might kill the yeast. Aim for a warm room around 75°F to 80°F. Yes, you can make these pretzel knots ahead of time. After you shape them, cover the knots with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for up to one day. When you're ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps bring them back to life. If you want to freeze them, do so before boiling. Just boil and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy. If your dough is too sticky, don't panic! This can happen sometimes. First, sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface as you knead. You can also add a little flour to the dough itself. Just do this slowly, so you don’t add too much. Knead it until the dough is smooth. If it still feels too wet, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flour to absorb the moisture better. In this post, we covered how to make delicious pretzel knots. We shared the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You learned how to shape, boil, and bake your pretzels. We also explored variations and storage tips. Now, you can impress friends and family with your homemade snacks. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Your pretzel journey can turn into a fun kitchen adventure!

Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Knots

Delicious homemade pretzel knots brushed with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste coarse sea salt, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a dough.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, then shape it into a knot.
  • In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a gentle boil. Boil the pretzel knots for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Brush this garlic mixture over each pretzel knot.
  • Sprinkle the pretzel knots with coarse sea salt and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade garlic Parmesan pretzel knots!

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of extra melted butter on the side and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color.
Keyword garlic, Parmesan, pretzel, snack