Why Make This Recipe
Homemade soft pretzels are a delicious snack that you can easily make at home. They are chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Making pretzels from scratch is fun and a great way to impress your friends and family. Plus, the smell of freshly baked pretzels will fill your kitchen and make your home feel warm and inviting.
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
- Coarse salt (for topping)
- Everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
Directions:
- Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and brown 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. Attach the kneading hook and knead on low for about five minutes 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 some olive oil on it. Put it back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide the dough 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 shape it into a pretzel. It can be helpful to watch a video on how to do this for the best results!
- Preheat your oven to 450F (232C).
- While the oven heats, boil a pot with 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once it’s boiling, dip each pretzel into the water for 15-30 seconds before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt and everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serve with your favorite dip (cheese is a great option) and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels are perfect as a snack or appetizer. They are best served warm. You can enjoy them with a variety of dips such as cheese sauce, mustard, or even a sweet dip like chocolate. They also make a great addition to parties and game days!
How to Store Homemade Soft Pretzels
If you have leftover pretzels, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled pretzels in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply bake them in a 350F (177C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Tips to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a chewier texture.
- Don’t skip the boiling step; it gives pretzels their unique texture.
- Experiment with toppings. Try different seasonings or even cheese inside the dough for a cheesy pretzel!
Variation
You can add different ingredients to the dough or toppings. For example, try adding cinnamon and sugar for a sweet pretzel. You could also incorporate cheese into the dough for a cheesy flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. Just keep it in the refrigerator after it rises, and let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda is essential for the boiling step to get the right texture. If you don’t have it, you can skip the boiling step, but your pretzels won’t have the same chewy crust.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The pretzels will have a slightly denser texture but will still be delicious!