Soft Pretzel Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) sugar 2 teaspoons (10g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60g) baking soda ¼ cup (60g) baking soda
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda.
7. 7.
   Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope.
8. 8.
   Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
9. 9.
   Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
• Baking soda — Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution is essential for achieving the characteristic pretzel crust. Do not skip this step.

Tips & Tricks

• For a shiny crust, brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese.
• Serve the pretzels warm for the best taste and texture.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and the work surface while shaping the pretzels.
• To reheat leftover pretzels, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Soft Pretzels warm as a delicious snack or appetizer. They pair perfectly with mustard, cheese sauce, or even a sweet dip like caramel.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pretzels on a platter, showcasing their beautiful golden brown color and unique knot shape. Sprinkle some additional coarse salt on top for an extra touch of visual appeal.