Description
These Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy, and irresistibly delicious! Made with simple ingredients, boiled in a baking soda bath for authentic texture, and baked to perfection, these pretzels are great for snacking, game nights, or dipping in cheese sauce.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 9 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough: Add salt and sugar to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in flour until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Let Dough Rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, roll each into an 18-inch rope, and shape into pretzels.
- Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Boil 9 cups water, add ⅔ cup baking soda, and dip each pretzel for 30 seconds. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Egg Wash & Salt: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with cheese dip, mustard, or plain!
Notes
- Cinnamon Sugar Version: Skip salt, brush with melted butter, and roll in cinnamon-sugar.
- Cheesy Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheese before baking.
- Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush with melted garlic butter after baking.
- Stuffed Pretzels: Fill with cream cheese or Nutella before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
