Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Indulge in the warm, chewy goodness of these homemade soft pretzels, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering. With a golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, these pretzels are sure to be a hit! Historically, pretzels date back to the Roman Empire, where they symbolized Christian devotion. Today, they are a beloved snack enjoyed worldwide. Elevate your experience by serving them with a tangy mustard dip or creamy cheese sauce for an irresistible treat that will transport you to a bustling beer garden.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups, around 110°F (45°C) Warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 cups, plus extra for dusting All-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup Baking soda
- for sprinkling on top Coarse salt
- 1, beaten (for egg wash) Egg
- to taste Mustard (for dipping)
- for serving Cheese sauce (optional)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Snack
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 41g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- Add the salt and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 24 inches long, and shape it into a pretzel.
- Dip each pretzel into the boiling water mixture for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt to taste.
- Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite mustard or cheese sauce for dipping!
Tips
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheese directly into the dough before kneading.
- Try different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for added flavor.
- Serve warm for the best texture, but they can also be frozen and reheated in the oven.