Delightfully chewy and flavorful, these mini garlic butter pretzels are a real crowd-pleaser. The basic ingredients and a little bit of patience are all you need to create this beloved classic at home. The warm, comforting aroma of baking pretzels mixed with the robust scent of garlic butter is guaranteed to make your kitchen the most popular room in the house.
Photos of Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe
While most ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples such as flour, sugar, yeast, and butter, there are a few items of note. First, active dry yeast is an essential ingredient in this recipe for the dough to rise properly. Secondly, make sure to have kosher salt and baking soda on hand. Lastly, for the garlic butter sauce, it's best to choose fresh garlic and parsley for the most vibrant flavor.
Ingredients for Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels
Warm water: Used to activate the yeast. It should be warm but not hot to the touch, typically around 100-110°F.
Sugar: The yeast's food to kickstart fermentation.
Active dry yeast: This type of yeast needs to be activated before use and is key to making the dough rise.
All-purpose flour: The primary structure for the pretzel dough. It provides the gluten network necessary for the chewy texture of the pretzels.
Kosher salt: Used for flavor in the dough and as a topping before baking.
Baking soda: Added to boiling water to give the pretzels their unique taste and texture.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the dough. In the garlic butter sauce, it brings a creamy, savory flavor.
Garlic: Fundamental for the garlic butter sauce, it gives an intense and aromatic flavor.
Coarse salt: Sprinkled on top of the pretzels before baking for added texture and taste.
Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish for the pretzels, it adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
One reader, Gracie Melvin says:
These mini garlic butter pretzels are absolutely divine! The dough is soft and chewy, and the garlic butter sauce adds the perfect savory kick. They're a hit at parties and make a great snack for any occasion. I highly recommend trying this recipe - you won't be disappointed!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Pretzel
How to activate yeast: Yeast needs to be activated by dissolving it in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
How to knead dough: Knead the dough for 6 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
How to shape pretzels: Roll the dough into thin strands and form a pretzel shape by twisting two ends together to form a loop and then folding the ends back up.
How to boil pretzels: Boil the pretzels in a pot of boiling water and baking soda until they float, then remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
How to make garlic butter sauce: Melt butter with garlic over low heat in a small saucepan, then remove from heat to avoid burning the butter.
How to garnish pretzels: Sprinkle the pretzels lightly with coarse salt and fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels
For these delicious garlic butter pretzels, the dough is twisted, boiled, then baked until browned, before tossed with melted butter and garlic.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupwarm water,(100 to 105 degrees F)
- 1tspsugar
- 2¼tspactive dry yeast,or one 7-gram packet
- 2¼cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspkosher salt
- 6cupswater
- 2tbspbaking soda
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6tbspunsalted butter
- 4clovesgarlic,chopped
- coarse salt
- fresh parsley,garnish
Instructions
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In a small bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate. It should be bubbling. (If not, the yeast is old and should be replaced.)
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In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and stir to form a dough.
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Knead the dough for 6 to 7 minutes in the bowl until it’s smooth and no longer sticky. If the dough is really sticky, add more flour by the ¼ cup.
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When the dough is smooth, transfer to a clean bowl. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm area to rise for 60 minutes or until the dough at least doubles in size.
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Fill a large pot with 6 cups of boiling water and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Bring to a boil.
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Get out two baking sheets. Line 1 with parchment paper. Place a wire-rimmed rack on top of the other.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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After the dough has risen, divide it into quarters and then each quarter into four pieces to make 16 small dough balls.
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Working with one dough ball at a time, roll the dough out into a thin strand about 12 to 14 inches long. Form a pretzel by twisting two ends together to form a loop and then folding the ends back up.
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When the pretzel is formed, dunk it in the pot of boiling water. Wait until the pretzel floats (maybe 10 seconds) and then, remove with a slotted spoon and place on the wire rack over a baking sheet. Let drain.
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Once all the pretzels have been boiled, move them to the lined baking sheet.
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When all the pretzels are shaped, boiled, and placed on the baking sheet, transfer to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they start to brown.
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In a small saucepan, melt butter with garlic over low heat. Once combined, remove from heat to avoid burning butter.
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When pretzels come out of the oven, add them to a large bowl and toss with garlic butter mixture. Return to the baking sheet, spooning any leftover sauce over each pretzel.
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Sprinkle pretzels lightly with coarse salt, then return pretzels to oven and bake a second time for 3 to 4 minutes.
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Remove pretzels and let cool. Garnish finished pretzels with fresh parsley.
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Pretzels are best served slightly warm. Store pretzels in an airtight container on the counter for 1 to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a low 300-degree F oven for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Calories: 106.58kcal
- Fat: 4.55g
- Saturated Fat: 2.77g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.24g
- Carbohydrates: 14.24g
- Fiber: 0.68g
- Sugar: 0.33g
- Protein: 2.17g
- Cholesterol: 11.45mg
- Sodium: 478.02mg
- Calcium: 10.19mg
- Potassium: 35.48mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 41.75µg
- Vitamin C: 1.92mg
Expert Advice for Shaping Homemade Pretzels
When forming your pretzels, try to achieve a thin, even rope of dough. This will ensure that the pretzel cooks evenly and has the classic chewy texture. If the dough springs back and resists while you're rolling it out, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten, then try again. Also, when boiling the pretzels, don't overcrowd the pot. Boil a few at a time so they don't stick together and they cook evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making mini garlic butter pretzels recipe
Prepare the dough: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 6-7 minutes, saving time and effort.
Boiling process: Boil multiple pretzels at once to expedite the process, ensuring they are evenly cooked and ready for baking.
Butter preparation: Melt the butter and garlic in the microwave for a quicker and more efficient way to prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Baking sheet lining: Use silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
Double baking: Bake two trays of pretzels at the same time to maximize oven space and reduce overall baking time.
Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in a resealable bag or airtight container to keep them fresh for longer periods.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a substitute for warm water to add richness and a slightly creamy texture to the pretzel dough.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a substitute for active dry yeast, but it may require less proofing time.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to add a nuttier flavor and additional nutrients to the pretzels.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt to provide a similar level of saltiness and flavor to the pretzels.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in the garlic butter sauce to add a different flavor profile and make the pretzels dairy-free.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic to provide a milder and more evenly distributed garlic flavor in the butter sauce.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley in the garlic butter sauce, but use a smaller amount as it is more concentrated in flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Pretzels
Elevate the pretzel shape: Instead of the traditional pretzel shape, consider creating unique shapes such as twists, knots, or even pretzel bites to add visual interest to the dish.
Incorporate a gourmet dipping sauce: Create a sophisticated dipping sauce using truffle oil or balsamic reduction to add a luxurious touch to the pretzels.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a pop of color and elegance by garnishing the pretzels with delicate and edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies.
Present on a slate or marble board: Serve the pretzels on a sleek and modern slate or marble board to create a sophisticated and upscale presentation.
Create a mini pretzel tower: Stack the pretzels in a vertical tower formation, drizzling the garlic butter sauce between the layers for a visually stunning and impressive display.
Accompany with gourmet salts: Offer a selection of gourmet salts, such as Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt, for guests to sprinkle on their pretzels, adding a touch of luxury and customization.
Serve on individual tasting spoons: For a unique and elegant presentation, serve mini pretzel bites on individual tasting spoons, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce and garnished with a sprinkle of coarse salt and fresh parsley.
Create a pretzel charcuterie board: Arrange the pretzels alongside an assortment of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and fig compote for a visually stunning and indulgent pretzel charcuterie board.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Pretzels
Mixing bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and knead the dough for the pretzels.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets are essential for baking the pretzels in the oven.
Wire-rimmed rack: A wire-rimmed rack is used to place the boiled pretzels on before baking.
Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon is used to remove the boiled pretzels from the water and place them on the wire-rimmed rack.
Small saucepan: A small saucepan is used to melt the butter and garlic together to make the garlic butter sauce.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet and prevent the pretzels from sticking.
Oven: An oven is used for baking the pretzels.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to knead the dough for the pretzels, making the process quicker and easier.
Boiling pot: A large pot is used to boil the pretzels before baking.
These tools and equipment will help you prepare and bake the delicious mini garlic butter pretzels.
Storing and Freezing mini garlic butter pretzels recipe
- Let the pretzels cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled pretzels in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen pretzels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen pretzels on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- If you want to refresh the garlic butter flavor, you can brush the reheated pretzels with a fresh batch of melted garlic butter before serving.
- For a quick reheat, you can also microwave the pretzels for 15-20 seconds, but keep in mind that this method may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Butter Pretzels
To reheat leftover mini garlic butter pretzels, preheat your oven to a low temperature of 300°F (150°C). This gentle heat will help to warm the pretzels through without burning them or drying them out.
Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure to space them out evenly so that they heat through consistently.
If you want to refresh the garlic butter flavor, you can brush a little extra melted butter mixed with minced garlic over the top of each pretzel before reheating.
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the pretzels warm through for about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn or dry out.
Alternatively, if you're in a hurry, you can reheat the pretzels in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they're warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the pretzels in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pretzels in the basket. Heat them for 2-3 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Once the pretzels are reheated, you can sprinkle a little extra coarse salt or chopped fresh parsley over the top for added flavor and freshness.
Interesting Trivia About Garlic Butter Pretzels
The pretzel is believed to have originated in Europe, with some sources suggesting that it was first created by monks in the early Middle Ages. The distinctive knot shape of the pretzel is said to represent the crossed arms of a monk in prayer. The pretzel has a rich history and has been enjoyed as a popular snack for centuries.
Budget-Friendly: Making Garlic Butter Pretzels at Home
The mini garlic butter pretzels recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as flour, water, and yeast, are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of garlic, butter, and parsley may slightly increase the cost, but these are staple ingredients that can be used in various dishes. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful homemade treat at a reasonable price. Rating: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10.
Are Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mini garlic butter pretzel recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - all-purpose flour, butter, and salt - are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The pretzels are also boiled in water with baking soda, which doesn't add any nutritional value. However, the recipe does include some garlic, which has potential health benefits like boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the garlic butter sauce or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Use less salt or opt for a low-sodium variety to decrease sodium intake
- Incorporate more herbs and spices, such as oregano or thyme, to enhance flavor without adding calories
- Serve the pretzels with a side of vegetables or a low-fat dipping sauce to balance out the meal
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Garlic Butter Pretzels
The mini garlic butter pretzels recipe is a delightful twist on a classic snack. The use of garlic butter adds a rich and savory flavor, while the boiling step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The addition of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness. These mini pretzels are perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as a tasty snack. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Perfect Pairings: Entrées and Desserts to Serve with Garlic Butter Pretzels
Why trust this Mini Garlic Butter Pretzels Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious pretzels with a perfect balance of flavors. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich and savory taste, while the boiling process ensures a soft interior and chewy texture. The use of active dry yeast and the rising time contribute to the pretzels' light and airy consistency. The addition of fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness. Trust this recipe for a delightful baking experience and irresistible results.
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