Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cwarm water
110 to 115 degrees f
- 1 tbspsugar
- 2 tspkosher salt
- 1 packageactive dry yeast
- 22 ozall-purpose flour
approximately 4 1/2 cups
- 2 ozunsalted butter
melted
- vegetable oil
for pan
- 10 cwater
- ⅝ cbaking soda
- 1 largeegg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- pretzel salt
Directions
- 1
Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
- 3
Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
- 4
In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
- 5
Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Homemade Soft Pretzels
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About this Recipe
Craving that iconic taste of the fair or a classic German bakery pretzel right in your own kitchen? This recipe for Homemade Soft Pretzels brings the nostalgic joy of a beloved snack directly to your home, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Inspired by Alton Brown's meticulous approach from Good Eats, this recipe champions time-honored techniques and essential ingredients to deliver an unparalleled soft pretzel experience. You'll appreciate how simple pantry staples like warm water, sugar, and yeast combine with all-purpose flour and rich unsalted butter to create a chewy, golden-brown delight that truly evokes authentic flavors. Prepare for a wonderfully satisfying snack as you bite into these warm, tender Homemade Soft Pretzels. Each one offers a remarkably chewy interior encased in a characteristic golden, slightly crisp crust, generously studded with coarse pretzel salt. The subtle sweetness balanced with savory seasoning and rich, buttery notes creates a comforting flavor profile. These are perfect as a substantial side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, echoing the best of European pretzel traditions. While the distinctive crunch of pretzel salt is a hallmark, feel free to personalize your pretzels. Consider brushing them with melted butter after baking and dusting with cinnamon sugar for a sweet dessert pretzel. Alternatively, for a savory twist, try everything bagel seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, from classic grainy mustard to a robust cheese sauce. These delightful Homemade Soft Pretzels are fantastic as a fun side dish for game day gatherings, a festive party appetizer, or a cozy weekend treat. Serve them warm from the oven, perhaps alongside an array of your favorite dips, to create an unforgettable snack spread that's sure to impress a crowd.