Description
Learn how to make warm, homemade soft pretzels with a crispy crust and chewy interior, perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 10 cups water (for soda bath)
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Bloom the yeast by combining warm water with sugar and sprinkling yeast on top; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 6–8 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough and roll into ropes; shape into pretzels.
- Prepare the baking soda bath by boiling 10 cups of water and adding ⅔ cup of baking soda.
- Boil each pretzel in the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds.
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Notes
For best results, ensure the water temperature for blooming the yeast is precise; adjust the baking soda in the bath to enhance crust color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 41mg