Why Make This Recipe
Homemade soft pretzels are a fun and delicious snack that everyone will love. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy pretzel fresh from the oven! Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and get creative with toppings. Plus, it’s a great activity for friends and family. Whether you’re snacking during a movie night or serving them at a party, these pretzels will surely impress.
How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 and a 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
- Everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
Directions:
- Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Next, add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the same bowl. Put the kneading attachment on and knead for about five minutes on low or until the dough forms a ball. It should spring back when you poke it with your finger. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead by hand.
- Take the dough out of the bowl and drizzle a little olive oil in it. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Put the dough in a warm place to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
- After the dough rises, punch it down. Cut it into 12 even pieces using a bench scraper or a sharp knife on a floured surface.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 18-24 inches long and fold it into a pretzel shape. Watching a video can help if you’re unsure how to do this!
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Meanwhile, bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, dip each pretzel in the water for 15-30 seconds before transferring them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately brush each pretzel with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt and everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Bake the pretzels in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serve with your favorite dip; cheese dip pairs wonderfully!
How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with your favorite dips like cheese, mustard, or even a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel. They make for great appetizers or snacks at any gathering!
How to Store Homemade Soft Pretzels
To store leftover pretzels, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating in the oven.
Tips to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Make sure your water is warm but not too hot; it should feel comfortable to the touch.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, you can add a bit more water.
- Scoring the pretzels with a knife before boiling can help with the texture.
- Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds or garlic powder for variety!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can add herbs or spices to the dough, or try different toppings. For a sweet version, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top instead of salt.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After it has risen, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to mix whole wheat with all-purpose flour for a better result.
3. What if I don’t have baking soda?
While baking soda is important for the boiling step, you can skip it and just bake the pretzels directly. They might not be as chewy compared to the traditional method, but they will still taste great!
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious homemade soft pretzels!
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water Must be warm but comfortable to touch
- 4 and 1/2 cups flour Can add more if dough is sticky
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
Boiling Solution
- 6 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda Important for the boiling step
Toppings
- 1 each egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
- Everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the bowl. Knead for about five minutes until the dough forms a ball.
- Drizzle olive oil on the dough, place back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.
- After rising, punch the dough down and cut into 12 even pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 18-24 inches long and shape it into a pretzel.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Boil water and baking soda in a large pot. Dip each pretzel in water for 15-30 seconds.
- Transfer pretzels to a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt and seasoning.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack and serve warm.
