soft homemade pretzel recipe

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The Best soft homemade pretzel recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my soft homemade pretzel recipe, which has been a staple in our household for years. As a mom of three, I’ve had the pleasure of perfecting this recipe to satisfy the cravings of my family and friends.

There’s something special about biting into a warm, soft pretzel that just can’t be beat. The combination of the crispy outside and chewy inside is absolute perfection.

Our family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether we’re enjoying them as a snack or as part of a meal, these pretzels are always a hit.

I’ve even started making them for our family gatherings, and they’re always the first thing to disappear. Not only are these pretzels delicious, but they’re also relatively healthy compared to store-bought options.

By using whole wheat flour and controlling the amount of salt, we can enjoy these tasty treats without feeling too guilty. Plus, making your own pretzels allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

4.9 from 1502 votes

This soft homemade pretzel recipe is a classic snack with a chewy interior and a perfectly salted exterior. It is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1 1/3 cups warm water 110F

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

For the Baking Soda Bath

4 cups water

2/3 cup baking soda

For the Topping

2 tbsp butter melted

Coarse sea salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and brown sugar.

2Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

3In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

4Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms.

5Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

7Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a pretzel.

9Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.

10In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

11Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.

12Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.

13Brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

14Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

15Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

16Enjoy your soft homemade pretzels warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl

Baking sheet

Large pot

Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a chewier pretzel, reduce the baking soda bath time to 15 seconds.

Watch Video Of How Soft Homemade Pretzel Recipe Works

This soft homemade pretzel recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick snack or want to impress your guests with a show-stopping appetizer. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can enjoy them plain or topped with cheese sauce, mustard, or even chili cheese powder for added flavor.

When storing leftovers, I recommend freezing them in an airtight container for up to two months or keeping them at room temperature for up to three days. Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until crispy on the outside and warm through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Pretzel

Q: What type of flour is best for making soft homemade pretzels?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content, as it will help create a stronger gluten structure and give the pretzels their signature chewiness.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: While both types of yeast can work in this recipe, active dry yeast requires proofing before adding it to the dough, which can add an extra step to your process. Instant yeast is generally faster and easier to use.

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

A: Make sure your yeast is fresh and not past its expiration date. Also, ensure that your dough is at room temperature (around 75°F to 80°F) before adding the yeast and allowing it to rise.

Q: Can I shape my pretzels into different shapes or sizes?

A: Absolutely! This recipe makes about 8-10 pretzels, but you can easily divide the dough into smaller portions to create bite-sized pretzels or larger ones for a more rustic look.

Q: Are these pretzels gluten-free?

A: Unfortunately, no – traditional pretzel dough contains gluten from wheat flour. However, you can experiment with using gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour to create a similar texture and taste.

soft homemade pretzel recipe

The Best soft homemade pretzel recipe