T.A.S. Pretzels
Homemade pretzels with a crispy exterior and soft interior, featuring a classic salty flavor. Perfect for snack lovers and entertaining guests with warm, freshly baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix water, yeast, sugar, powdered milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Add bread flour gradually and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into approximately 8 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long cylinder about 16 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
- Form each into a pretzel shape (figure 8) and seal the ends with wet fingers.
- Float the pretzels in very hot (not boiling) water for about 1 minute on each side, using a large open pan to fit 2 or 3 at a time.
- Remove the pretzels from water and place on a baking pan to air dry.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pretzels for 5 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the pretzels with a light egg wash (egg mixed with water).
- Sprinkle with salt while still moist, adding more egg wash if necessary.
- Return the pretzels to the oven and bake until they are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful pretzel, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly less chewy. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for best results, and keep the water hot but not boiling to avoid cooking the pretzels too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzels are delicious served warm with a side of mustard or cheese sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a variety of toppings like coarse sea salt or everything bagel seasoning. For a sweet twist, try dipping them in chocolate or serving alongside Microwave Chocolate Gravy as a fun dessert option.
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 (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of T.A.S. Pretzels contains roughly 400 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% 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, let it rise for about an hour, then punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
How do I know when the pretzels are done baking?
The pretzels are done when they are golden brown and have a firm crust. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook. A good visual cue is a deep golden color and a slightly firm texture when gently tapped.
Can I freeze the pretzels?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).