Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade soft pretzels are a delightful treat that outshine anything you can find at the store. These buttery twists are chewy on the outside and soft inside, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply craving a snack, these pretzels stand out with their savory salt topping and the option to dip them in your favorite sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh pretzels in no time.
• Customizable Toppings: Dress them up with your choice of toppings like coarse salt or everything bagel seasoning.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, these pretzels are fun to eat and easy to share.
• Deliciously Fresh: There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade bread, warm from the oven.
• Versatile Pairing: They go well with various dips, from cheese sauce to mustards.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade soft pretzels, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Bench scraper or sharp knife
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This helps knead the dough efficiently, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Bench scraper: Great for cutting dough evenly into pieces without sticking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make your own delicious homemade soft pretzels, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 and a 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp salt

For Boiling and Topping

• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 1 egg
• coarse salt (for topping)
• everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk well and then let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the same bowl. Put the kneading attachment on and knead for about five minutes on low or until the dough comes together into a ball. The dough should spring back when you push it with your finger. You can also knead by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Take the dough out of the bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place it back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Set it in a warm place to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

After rising, punch down the dough. Section it into 12 even pieces using a bench scraper or sharp knife on a floured surface. Roll each piece into a rope (about 18-24 inches) and fold it into a pretzel shape.

Step 5: Prepare for Boiling

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Meanwhile, start boiling a pot with water mixed with baking soda. Once boiling, dip each pretzel in it for 15-30 seconds before transferring onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake Them Up

Immediately brush each pretzel with egg wash and top with coarse salt or everything but bagel seasoning. Bake them in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Remove onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favorite dip such as cheese sauce or mustard for an extra treat! Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels

Serving homemade soft pretzels can be a fun and delicious experience. They pair well with various dips and sides, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Dipping Sauces

• Cheese Sauce: A creamy, warm cheese dip enhances the flavor of soft pretzels beautifully.
• Mustard: Spicy or sweet mustard adds a tangy kick that complements the soft texture.
• Hummus: For a healthier option, hummus provides a rich and flavorful contrast to the salty pretzels.
• Chocolate Sauce: For a sweet twist, melt some chocolate for dipping—a delightful treat!

Toppings

• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkling this mix gives pretzels an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Herbed Olive Oil: Drizzle some infused olive oil over pretzels for a gourmet touch.

Presentation Ideas

• Pretzel Baskets: Serve pretzels in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic feel.
• Skewers: Thread pretzel bites onto skewers for easy serving at parties.

How to Perfect Homemade Soft Pretzels

To make sure your homemade soft pretzels turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Knead Well: Proper kneading helps develop gluten, leading to chewier pretzels.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure the water is warm (not hot) when activating yeast; this encourages good rising.
• Boiling Solution: Use baking soda in boiling water for that classic pretzel crust and flavor.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush the dough with egg wash before baking to achieve a golden-brown finish.
• Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough ample time to rise; this step is crucial for texture.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade soft pretzels pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some delectable options:

1. Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery offer a crunchy contrast to soft pretzels.
2. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges add heartiness and flavor; perfect for dipping!
3. Caprese Salad: Refreshing tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a light counterpart to salty pretzels.
4. Spicy Nachos: Crispy nachos topped with cheese and jalapeños create a fun sharing dish alongside your pretzels.
5. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad balances the savory taste of pretzels with refreshing flavors.
6. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and complements the overall meal nicely.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an elegant touch that pairs well with homemade soft pretzels.
8. Baked Zucchini Fries: These crispy fries add another fun finger food option that fits perfectly into any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Soft Pretzels can be fun, but a few common mistakes may hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always let the yeast mixture sit until it’s foamy. This step ensures your pretzels rise properly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make pretzels dry.
• Over-boiling pretzels: Limit the boiling time to 15-30 seconds. Over-boiling can result in a rubbery texture rather than a chewy one.
• Forgetting the egg wash: Don’t skip brushing the pretzels with egg wash before baking. This adds shine and helps toppings stick.
• Neglecting seasoning: Be generous with coarse salt and other toppings. Seasoning enhances flavor, making your pretzels irresistible.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Homemade soft pretzels can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Soft Pretzels

• Wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Soft Pretzels

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they may become tough.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Soft Pretzels:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. This will give your pretzels a nuttier flavor while maintaining their texture.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy and airy. You can also perform a poke test; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

What dips go best with Homemade Soft Pretzels?

Cheese sauce, mustard, or even chocolate sauce make great dips that complement the salty flavor of pretzels wonderfully.

Can I make these pretzels vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and omit any animal-derived toppings.

Final Thoughts

Homemade soft pretzels are delightful snacks that offer both flavor and versatility. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with seasonings, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your pretzel shapes or dips to suit your taste!