Homemade Soft Pretzels are a tantalizing treat that has a crispy golden crust on the outside and a chewy, fluffy center on the inside. With a hint of salt and a subtle sweetness, these pretzels are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. When you take a bite of a freshly baked soft pretzel, you experience the satisfying crunch of the outer layer followed by the soft and warm dough that is flavored with a perfect balance of spices.
They are best served warm and pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tangy mustard, gooey cheese sauce, or even sweet cream cheese frosting. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water and the taste will leave you wanting more. Homemade Soft Pretzels are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to impress your family and friends.
Lavanda’s Kitchen: Let’s Make Pretzels!
Hey, everyone! Welcome to my kitchen, where good smells and good food are always on the menu. I’m Lavanda, a mom who loves cooking up tasty treats for my family. Today, I’m excited to share one of our favorites: Homemade Soft Pretzels. There’s something special about these warm, buttery twists that just make every bite a delight. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delicious pretzels together. Get ready for some kitchen fun!
Let’s Get Twisting: The Magic of Homemade Soft Pretzels!
Have you ever craved that warm, salty goodness of a soft pretzel? Well, get ready to bring that mouthwatering magic right into your own kitchen! Picture this: fluffy dough, bathed in buttery goodness, with just the right touch of saltiness to make your taste buds sing. Yep, we’re talking about Homemade Soft Pretzels, and trust me, they’re about to become your new obsession. From the first bite to the last crumb, these pretzels are like a warm hug for your tummy. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade pretzel-making!
What to eat with Homemade Soft Pretzels
Here’s a detailed list of what you can eat with homemade soft pretzels:
- Mustard: Classic yellow mustard is the most popular condiment for pretzels. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the pretzels.
- Cheese sauce: Cheese sauce is a creamy, gooey dip that pairs perfectly with pretzels. You can make it with cheddar cheese, milk, and flour.
- Hummus: Hummus is a healthy dip that goes well with pretzels. You can make it with chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is a creamy dip that’s perfect for pretzels. You can make it with avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice.
- Nutella: Nutella is a chocolate hazelnut spread that goes well with pretzels. It’s a sweet and indulgent treat that kids and adults both love.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a great dip for pretzels. It’s creamy, rich, and high in protein.
- Jam: Jam is a sweet and fruity dip that goes well with pretzels. You can use any flavor of jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
- Salsa: Salsa is a spicy dip that pairs well with pretzels. You can make it with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is a smooth and creamy dip that goes well with pretzels. You can add some herbs or spices to give it some extra flavor.
- Beer cheese: Beer cheese is a dip made with beer, cheddar cheese, and spices. It’s a popular dip for pretzels, especially in Germany.
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels with any of these delicious dips!
What Equipment is Needed to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
To make homemade soft pretzels, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl: To mix the pretzel dough ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: To knead the pretzel dough until smooth and elastic.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: To boil the pretzels before baking, giving them their signature chewy texture.
- Baking sheet: To bake the pretzels until golden brown.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To prevent the pretzels from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Pastry brush: To brush the pretzels with melted butter or egg wash before baking.
- Slotted spatula: To remove the boiled pretzels from the pot without damaging their shape.
- Wire rack: To cool the baked pretzels before serving.
Having all of these tools on hand will help make the process of making homemade soft pretzels much easier and enjoyable.
How to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Welcome to our kitchen, where today we’re going to learn how to make delicious homemade soft pretzels! These golden-brown treats are the perfect combination of soft, buttery goodness with just the right amount of saltiness. Best of all, they’re incredibly simple to make, so you can enjoy them anytime the craving strikes. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
Ingredients:
Pretzel dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour + up to ¾ cup more if needed
Baking Soda Bath
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Topping
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt for sprinkling on top
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 475°F and line a large baking sheet or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- Stir in salt and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead on the lowest setting until a dough forms and is no longer very sticky.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes or until smooth and pliable.
- Form the dough into a ball, grease the bowl, and let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
- In a medium-sized pot, boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once dissolved, remove from heat.
- After 15 minutes, take the dough out of the bowl and flatten slightly. Cut it into 8 sections and roll each into a long rope.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel shape and dip into the baking soda bath for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pretzels from the bath and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels warm!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making homemade soft pretzels, you can enjoy this classic treat whenever you like. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a craving for something delicious, these pretzels are sure to hit the spot. Get creative with your shapes and toppings, and don’t forget to share the love with your friends and family. Happy baking!
Tips to make the best Homemade Soft Pretzels
Here are some tips to make the best homemade soft pretzels:
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality flour, yeast, and salt.
- Be patient with the dough: Kneading the dough thoroughly and letting it rise properly will help ensure a soft and fluffy pretzel.
- Boil the pretzels in baking soda water: Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution gives them their classic chewy texture and golden brown color.
- Use an egg wash: Brushing the pretzels with an egg wash before baking will give them a shiny, golden brown crust.
- Experiment with toppings: While traditional toppings include coarse salt or cinnamon sugar, don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, herbs, or even everything bagel seasoning.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces: From classic mustard to cheese sauce or even honey butter, there are plenty of options for dipping your homemade soft pretzels.
Notes for Newbie Pretzel-Makers!
Hey there, newbie cooks and bakers! Ready to dive into the world of pretzel-making? Making Homemade Soft Pretzels may seem daunting at first, but fear not! I’ve got some handy tips to guide you through the process and help you bake up a batch of deliciousness.
Tip 1: Take Your Time Making pretzels is all about patience and practice. Don’t rush through the steps – take your time to knead the dough, shape the pretzels, and let them rest. It’s all part of the fun and ensures that your pretzels turn out soft and chewy.
Tip 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Messy Working with dough can be a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun! Embrace the flour-covered countertops and sticky fingers as you roll and shape your pretzels. It’s all worth it in the end when you bite into that warm, freshly baked goodness.
Tip 3: Get Creative with Toppings One of the best parts of making Homemade Soft Pretzels is getting to customize them with your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer classic coarse salt or want to try something adventurous like cinnamon sugar, don’t be afraid to get creative and make the pretzels your own.
So there you have it, newbie pretzel-makers! With a little patience, a willingness to get messy, and a dash of creativity, you’ll be baking up delicious Homemade Soft Pretzels in no time. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills!
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Pretzel dough
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour + up to ¾ cup more if needed
Baking Soda Bath
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
Topping
- 1 tbsp coarse salt for sprinkling on top
- 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F and line a large baking sheet or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- Stir in salt and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead on the lowest setting until a dough forms and is no longer very sticky.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes or until smooth and pliable.
- Form the dough into a ball, grease the bowl, and let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
- In a medium-sized pot, boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once dissolved, remove from heat.
- After 15 minutes, take the dough out of the bowl and flatten slightly. Cut it into 8 sections and roll each into a long rope.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel shape and dip into the baking soda bath for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pretzels from the bath and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels warm!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used. – Nutrition Information Disclaimer
HAVE YOU TRIED MAKING THIS Homemade Soft Pretzels RECIPE?
Please share in the comments below! We always love to hear your thoughts. If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #appetizersandentrees on Instagram. We really enjoy seeing what you’re cooking in the kitchen.
— We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us:
These Homemade Soft Pretzels are a must-try, Lavanda! They’re so easy to make and taste amazing. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us, it’s become a favorite in our household!
Thank you for sharing your amazing soft pretzel recipe with us, Lavanda! I can’t wait to make them again and experiment with different toppings.
Your homemade soft pretzels are a total game changer, Lavanda! I love how easy they are to make and how much flavor they pack in every bite. Thank you for sharing your amazing recipe!
My kids loveees pretzel. Will try to make one, thanks for sharing your recipe!
As much as I love pretzels I’ve never tried making them at home. Gotta try it out this time with you recipe! Looks amazing!
I made this yesterday ad itis extremely delicious! I can’t wait to make it again!
These are just perfect. I am so happy I can make at home, and I don’t have to go out in the middle of day and wait in line for a great pretzel.
I love this pretzels and so did my family. I can’t wait to make it again!