Description

Homemade soft pretzels are chewy, salty, and warm, perfect as a snack or appetizer. They’re easy to make and delicious, with a golden-brown exterior and soft interior.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

2 teaspoons sugar

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Coarse salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with mustard or cheese dip!

Notes

For variations, try cinnamon sugar pretzels, cheese-stuffed pretzels, or garlic Parmesan pretzels.
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Reheat pretzels in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
You can freeze pretzels after baking; store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10 minutes.
If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pretzel
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg