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Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe

Close-up of freshly baked soft pretzels sprinkled with coarse salt on a wooden board.

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Create classic, chewy soft pretzels at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a snack or party, these pretzels are boiled in baking soda and baked to golden perfection, then topped with coarse salt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 cups water (for boiling)
  • â…” cup baking soda (for boiling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  8. Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches long. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.
  9. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20-30 seconds per side.
  10. Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  11. Brush the tops of the pretzels with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
  13. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • For a chewier pretzel, you can increase the baking soda in the boiling water slightly.
  • Serve warm with your favorite mustard or cheese sauce.
  • This recipe is great for Oktoberfest celebrations or any time you crave a classic snack.

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