Description
This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe creates bakery-quality results at home. It turns simple ingredients into golden, chewy delights. Perfect for weekend activities, this foolproof recipe brings everyone together.
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms
- Knead on a floured surface for 6 minutes
- Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled
- Punch down the dough. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope. Shape each rope into a U, cross the ends, and press down to form a classic pretzel shape
- Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add ⅔ cup baking soda. The water will bubble vigorously
- Simmer each pretzel for 30 seconds per side using a slotted spoon. Remove and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt immediately
- Bake at 450°F for 12-14 minutes, until deep golden brow
- Brush with melted butter right out of the oven. Serve warm
Notes
Use freshly opened yeast for best results.
Do not skip the baking soda bath; it creates the signature chewy crust.
Keep water temperature at 110°F-115°F. Too hot kills the yeast, cold water slows rising.
Knead dough until smooth and elastic.
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
Freeze baked pretzels for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, baking soda bath