The Perfect Pesto Garlic Butter Pretzel Knots Recipe You’ll Crave

Twisting soft dough into delectable pesto garlic butter pretzel knots creates magic in your kitchen.

Knead the ingredients with passion and watch simple components become extraordinary.

Aromas of herbs and garlic will drift through your home, beckoning everyone to the table.

Crispy edges and soft centers promise a delightful experience for snack enthusiasts.

Each bite combines the rich complexity of pesto with buttery, golden-brown comfort.

Salt crystals sparkling on these twisted treats add a perfect crunch that makes appetizers irresistible.

Let these sensational knots become your new favorite party sensation.

Pretzel Knots – Pesto Garlic Butter Magic

• Quick Kitchen Win: Whip up these gourmet pretzel knots in just over 2 hours, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious results without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Flavor Explosion: Packed with pesto, three cheeses, and garlic butter, these knots deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend snacking, these pretzel knots appeal to everyone from kids to sophisticated food lovers.
• Customization Potential: Easily swap ingredients like cheeses or herbs to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe super adaptable and fun to experiment with.

What Makes Pesto Garlic Pretzel Knots Work

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop dough structure.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that feeds yeast and adds subtle flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and bread texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for pretzel knots.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create soft texture.

• Pesto: Adds herbal and savory flavor to the pretzel knots.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Create cheesy, melty interior.
• Sesame Seeds: Provide nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Coarse Salt: Enhances overall flavor and adds texture.

• Butter: Creates rich, glossy coating for pretzel knots.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds aromatic and robust flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami notes to the finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and additional flavor complexity.

• Egg: Provides golden brown color and shiny surface.

Tying and Baking Pesto Garlic Butter Pretzel Knots

Step 1: Mix and Activate Yeast

In your stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast.

Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add melted butter and flour to the bubbly mixture.

Mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides.

Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1–2 hours).

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle.

Spread a generous layer of pesto over the dough, then sprinkle with both cheddar and mozzarella.

Fold the dough in half, pressing the edges to seal.

Step 4: Shape Pretzel Knots

Slice the filled dough into 16 even strips.

Take each strip and twist it into a loose knot, laying them on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Top

Brush every knot with beaten egg, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and coarse salt.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the sheets into a 425 °F oven and bake until the knots turn a deep golden brown, about 15–18 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter

While the pretzels bake, melt butter in a small pan with minced garlic until fragrant.

Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the hot pretzel knots.

Serve immediately with extra butter for dipping.

Pretzel Knot Tips That Stick The Landing

• Use a stand mixer for consistent, smooth dough texture and even mixing of ingredients.
• Adjust flour or water by tablespoon to achieve perfect dough consistency without overworking.
• Spread pesto evenly and sprinkle cheese before folding to ensure balanced taste in every bite.
• Watch pretzel knots closely during baking to achieve perfect golden color without burning.
• Add fresh herbs to garlic butter for an extra burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Pretzel Knots With Garlic Butter That Stay Soft

• Store leftover pretzel knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual knots tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Warm cold knots at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and bring back their original texture.
• Quickly heat for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as this method can make the pretzels slightly soggy.

Bites To Pair With Pretzel Knots

• Savor Herbal Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the pesto's basil notes and cuts through the rich, buttery texture of the pretzel knots.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that balances the cheesy, garlicky flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, savory knots.
• Dipping Sauce Adventure: Create a zesty marinara or tangy ranch dressing for additional flavor complexity, allowing guests to customize their pretzel knot experience with complementary dipping options.
• Herb-Infused Beverage Twist: Prepare a fresh basil lemonade that echoes the pesto's herbal profile and offers a light, citrusy refreshment alongside the rich, cheesy appetizer.

Garlic Pretzel Butter Combos

• Gluten-Free Herbal Knots: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free blend and use xanthan gum for better texture. Swap traditional pesto with dairy-free herb sauce for added dietary flexibility.
• Vegan Cheese Pretzel Variation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based mozzarella alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter and add cashew-based parmesan for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Almond Flour Knots: Create dough using almond flour and coconut flour mixture. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and incorporating complementary herb profiles.
• Mediterranean Herb Pretzel Twist: Replace traditional pesto with sun-dried tomato spread. Include za'atar seasoning and swap cheddar for feta cheese to bring Mediterranean flavors into the recipe.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the dough rise?

The warm water, honey, and yeast create a perfect environment for the dough to rise, helping it become light and fluffy.

• How do I know if my dough has risen correctly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy, typically taking 1-2 hours in a warm spot. When you gently press the dough, it should slowly spring back.

• Can I make these pretzel knots ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and shape the knots earlier in the day, then cover and refrigerate. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.

• Why fold the dough in half after spreading pesto?

Folding helps distribute the pesto and cheese evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each knot has a consistent flavor and texture.

Pesto Garlic Butter Pretzel Knots Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pesto garlic butter pretzel knots bring Italian-inspired comfort to classic German bakery magic, twisting warm bread with herbal zest and buttery richness. Crisp edges and golden surfaces promise a mouthwatering experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups water (warm)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter (melted)

Filling and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 12 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, oregano, or parsley)
• 1 tablespoon honey

Finishing and Coating Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining warm water, honey, and yeast in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the concoction to bloom and become effervescent for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate melted butter and flour into the yeast mixture. Blend on medium speed until the dough transforms into a cohesive, smooth texture that effortlessly separates from the bowl’s edges. Adjust consistency with minimal flour or water if necessary.
3. Shield the dough and permit it to rise in a draft-free, warm environment until its volume doubles, typically requiring 1-2 hours.
4. Heat the oven to 425°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a generously floured surface, carefully stretch the dough into a thin rectangular shape approximately 16×14 inches.
6. Distribute pesto evenly across the dough’s surface, then generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Gently fold the dough in half, pressing lightly to seal the layers. Slice the folded dough into 16 uniform strips.
8. Manipulate each strip into a loose knot formation and arrange them meticulously on prepared baking sheets.
9. Brush the pretzel knots with beaten egg, then garnish with sesame seeds and coarse salt.
10. Bake until the knots achieve a golden, lustrous appearance, approximately 15-18 minutes.
11. Meanwhile, create a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until aromatic.
12. Remove garlic butter from heat and fold in parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs.
13. Drizzle the herb-infused garlic butter over the warm pretzel knots and serve immediately, providing additional butter for dipping.

Notes

• Knead the dough gently to prevent tough texture, ensuring soft and pillowy pretzel knots.
• Keep yeast mixture warm but not hot to activate properly without killing the delicate microorganisms.
• Experiment with alternative cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavor variations.
• Consider gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, adjusting liquid ratios carefully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg