Description
Learn how to make warm, chewy soft pretzels at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Using simple pantry ingredients and an authentic boiling soda bath, this recipe delivers perfectly golden crusts and tender interiors, customizable with various toppings and flavors. Enjoy fresh, bakery-style soft pretzels anytime straight from your oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then form a U shape. Cross the ends twice and press them onto the bottom of the U to create the classic pretzel shape.
- Prepare the Boiling Soda Bath: Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the baking soda. Boil pretzels one or two at a time for about 30 seconds each to develop their signature crust and color.
- Bake to Perfection: Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
Notes
- Use warm water between 100-110°F to activate yeast optimally.
- Kneading thoroughly develops gluten for chewy texture.
- Don’t skip boiling the dough in baking soda water; it’s essential for the authentic crust.
- Coarse salt adds crunchy bursts of flavor.
- Monitor oven temperature closely to avoid underbaking or burning.
- Instant yeast can be used by adjusting rising times and mixing directly with dry ingredients.
- For vegan pretzels, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg