Soft Pretzels Recipe!

 

 

Soft Pretzels Recipe!

These classic, large, soft baked pretzels are perfectly chewy on the inside, with a golden, crispy crust on the outside. Great as a snack, appetizer, or paired with mustard or cheese! Here’s how to make them from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 tbsp sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp salt

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Baking Soda Bath:

10 cups water

⅔ cup baking soda

For the Topping:

1 egg yolk, beaten

Coarse sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

 

Make the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Pretzels:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a long rope (about 24 inches long).

Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and folding them over to the bottom of the U to form the classic pretzel shape.

Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.

Carefully drop each shaped pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Pretzels:

Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk to give it that beautiful golden color.

Sprinkle coarse sea salt over each pretzel.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy warm with mustard, cheese dip, or any of your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your homemade, soft, and chewy pretzels – perfect for a snack or party appetizer!