best soft pretzel recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best soft pretzel recipe
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The Best best soft pretzel recipe

I’ve been making soft pretzels for years, and this recipe is by far the best I’ve found. It’s a classic German recipe that’s been adapted to suit our American tastes. I love that it’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

The result is a deliciously soft and chewy pretzel that’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish for any occasion. My family loves when I make these, especially my kids who can’t get enough of the warm, buttery goodness. I’ve found that this recipe is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for big events or potlucks. I’ve also noticed that making these pretzels at home has been a great way to get my kids involved in cooking – they love helping me shape the dough and brush the tops with butter. Plus, they’re so much healthier than store-bought pretzels, which are often loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients.

This recipe uses only simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water, making it a great option for families looking for healthier snack options. In addition to being delicious and easy to make, this recipe also has some great health benefits. The yeast in the dough helps to break down some of the harder-to-digest carbohydrates in the flour, making it easier on the stomach.

The salt content is also relatively low compared to other recipes I’ve tried. Overall, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy soft pretzel recipe that’s easy to make in large quantities.

Best Soft Pretzels

Best Soft Pretzels

4.9 from 1833 votes

These homemade soft pretzels are golden brown with a chewy interior and a salty crust. They are perfect as a snack or appetizer and are surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 245 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping

1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

👨‍🍳Directions

1In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
3Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
4Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for 5 minutes.
6The dough should spring back when poked gently.
7Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
8Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
9Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
10Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then shape into a pretzel by forming a U, crossing the ends over each other twice, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
11Place shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheets.
12In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
13Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, turning once with a slotted spatula.
14Remove and place back on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
15Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
16Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until deep golden brown and firm to the touch.
17Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Large pot
Slotted spatula
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 245 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a softer crust, skip the baking soda bath and brush the pretzels with melted butter after baking. You can also add cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a sweet version.

Watch Video Of How Best Soft Pretzels Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a party with friends.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for big events or potlucks.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes – just add some garlic butter or cheddar cheese for an extra boost of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Pretzels

Q: What is the secret to making soft pretzels at home?

The secret to making soft pretzels at home lies in the technique of shaping and boiling the dough before baking.

Q: Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of flour in this recipe, but keep in mind that all-purpose flour will give you the best results.

Q: How do I get my pretzels to rise properly?

Making sure your yeast is active and using warm water can help your pretzels rise properly.

Q: Can I add flavorings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds to my soft pretzels?

Yes, you can add flavorings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds to your soft pretzels for added flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover soft pretzels?

You can store leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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