Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that perfect blend of chewy, fluffy, and salty goodness found in soft pretzels, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe. Making pretzels from scratch might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s a joyful process that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and delivers freshly baked pretzels that are far better than store-bought. These soft pretzels boast a beautiful golden crust with a slight crunch, tender inside, and just the right amount of saltiness—making them an irresistible snack to enjoy any time of day.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that work harmoniously to give you that classic soft pretzel texture and flavor. Each element plays its part, from the yeast activating the dough to the baking soda bath that creates the iconic crust.

• 2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: The magic behind that delightful rise and airy crumb.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savoriness.
• 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water: The perfect temperature activates the yeast without killing it.
• 4 and a 1/2 cups flour: Provides the structure for that chewy dough you love.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Keeps the dough soft and adds subtle richness.
• 2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor throughout the dough.
• 6 cups water: For the baking soda bath that gives the pretzels their signature crust.
• 2 tbsp baking soda: Creates the alkaline bath texture needed for browning.
• 1 egg: Used to brush the pretzels, helping them brown and making toppings stick.
• Coarse salt (for topping): Adds savory crunch on top of each pretzel.
• Everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping): An optional but fantastic flavor boost, lending the pretzels an herby, garlicky twist.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by mixing warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Whisk everything gently and then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the yeast to foam up and get bubbly, proving it’s alive and ready to work its magic. Watching that bubbly surface appear is always exciting—it’s like the birth of your pretzels!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Next, add your flour, olive oil, and salt to the foamy yeast mixture. Attach the kneading hook to your stand mixer and let it work on low for about five minutes until the dough pulls together into a smooth ball. It should be soft yet spring back slightly when pressed with a finger. If you don’t have a mixer, kneading by hand is just as rewarding—consider it a mini workout with a delicious reward.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Remove the dough from the bowl, drizzle it lightly with olive oil, and place it back inside. Cover with a damp cloth and set it somewhere warm. This hour-long rest allows the dough to double in size, developing flavor and that wonderful soft texture we’re craving in our Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 18 to 24-inch rope and then twist and fold it into the traditional pretzel shape. Don’t stress if your twists aren’t perfect—the homemade charm is all part of the experience!

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 450°F while you bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath is what gives homemade pretzels their shiny, golden crust with that slight bitterness that pairs beautifully with the salt.

Step 6: Boil the Pretzels

Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 15 to 30 seconds, then remove and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is like giving the pretzels a quick spa treatment before their hot oven bath.

Step 7: Add Egg Wash and Toppings

Brush each pretzel generously with beaten egg. This glaze ensures a beautiful golden color and helps coarse salt or everything but the bagel seasoning stick perfectly. Speaking of toppings, feel free to get creative here—this recipe welcomes your personal touch.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until you see that signature golden-brown crust forming. The aroma wafting through your kitchen now is pure comfort and anticipation combined.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer your pretzels to a wire rack to cool just slightly. Soft pretzels are best enjoyed warm, paired with your favorite dips or simply on their own.

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of coarse salt is a classic, but you can elevate your pretzels with everything but the bagel seasoning or even a dusting of Parmesan cheese. For a sweeter touch, cinnamon sugar is also amazing for a dessert twist.

Side Dishes

Soft pretzels are fantastic alone but shine even brighter when served with dips like beer cheese, spicy mustard, or a creamy ranch. Pairing them with a fresh salad or soup makes for a satisfying snack or light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve your pretzels in a rustic basket lined with checked paper or on a wooden cutting board next to a trio of dipping sauces. You can even thread mini pretzel bites on skewers for a playful party appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Pretzels tend to lose their softness pretty quickly, so enjoy them fresh when possible.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to two months, which means you can enjoy homemade soft pretzels whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm your pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. This helps restore some of that original softness and freshly-baked aroma that makes this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand works just fine—you’ll just need to invest a little more time and elbow grease. The dough should come together smoothly and feel elastic when ready.

Why do pretzels need to be boiled in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath makes the dough alkaline, which encourages the Maillard reaction during baking. This creates pretzels’ characteristic golden-brown, shiny crust and slightly chewy texture.

Can I use regular salt instead of coarse salt for topping?

While you could, coarse salt provides that delightful crunch and bursts of salty goodness on each bite which regular fine salt cannot replicate as well.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise?

Yes, letting the dough rise allows the yeast to ferment, which develops the flavor and texture that make soft pretzels so tender and flavorful.

What if I don’t have everything but the bagel seasoning?

No worries! That seasoning is optional. You can stick to classic coarse salt, or try other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic powder for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe—it truly transforms a humble snack into a fun and rewarding baking adventure. From the feel of the dough in your hands to the warm, golden bites fresh from the oven, these pretzels are sure to become a beloved go-to. So, roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy the delicious journey of baking the perfect soft pretzels right at home!

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