Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels offer a warm, chewy exterior with a tender interior, featuring a slightly salty flavor from Kosher salt and a rich, caramelized crust. Perfect for snacking or sharing, they appeal to bread lovers and those craving a comforting baked treat. Enjoy them fresh or frozen for later.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place 1/8 cup hot tap water.
- Add yeast and stir until dissolved.
- Add 1 1/3 cups warm water and 1/3 cup brown sugar, and stir until dissolved.
- Gradually add approximately 5 cups flour until the dough does not stick to the sides of the bowl.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth.
- Pinch off dough the size of a golf ball and roll into a rope approximately 10 inches long.
- Form into the shape of a pretzel and place on a floured surface.
- Prepare cookie sheets sprayed with Pam. Fill a frying pan with water.
- For every cup of water, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Bring the water to a slow boil.
- Place pretzels into the boiling water for approximately 30 seconds.
- Remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Salt with Kosher salt.
- Bake at 475°F until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Pretzels are best enjoyed immediately or can be frozen after boiling and baked from frozen later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, ensure your boiling water is at a slow boil before adding the pretzels. If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar or honey for a similar sweetness. For a flavor twist, consider adding garlic powder or Parmesan cheese to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these homemade soft pretzels warm, paired with a side of mustard or cheese sauce for dipping. They make a great snack for game day or a casual gathering. For a refreshing drink pairing, consider serving them alongside a Black Cow for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Alternatively, you can freeze boiled pretzels and bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Soft Pretzels contains roughly 243 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 866mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What can I use instead of baking soda for boiling?
If you don't have baking soda, you can use a mixture of baking powder and salt, though this will not provide the same texture. Alternatively, you can simply boil the pretzels in plain water, but you may miss the characteristic pretzel flavor.
Can I make these pretzels vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Use a plant-based milk in place of any dairy ingredients and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The basic ingredients remain the same, allowing you to enjoy delicious vegan pretzels.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).