Soft pretzels are a popular snack originating in Germany and are a treat that is commonly found at malls and movie theaters. The soft pretzel has been a favorite snack in Germany for centuries. Its popularity is almost as old as that of its close cousin, the bagel. Today, the soft pretzel is a favorite snack in the United States and is often found in malls, movie theaters, and sports arenas. Soft pretzels are eaten as a snack or offered as a side with a meal.
Recipe Ingredients
- Yeast – 1 packet
- Water – 2 cups (480 mL)
- Salt – 2 teaspoons (10 g)
- Flour – 1 cup (120 g)
- Baking soda – 2 teaspoons (10 g)
- Egg wash (optional): whisk together 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and 1 egg yolk. Use this mixture to brush the tops of your pretzels after they’ve been baked in the oven. If you would like them extra crispy, sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking them at 400°F for 8–12 minutes or until golden brown all over.
Ingredients for the pretzel dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 package (1/4 oz.) of active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water, about 110 degrees F. (You can add some hot water to make it easier to dissolve the yeast.)
How to Make Soft Pretzels
Making soft pretzels is easy, but it does take some time. The first step is to soak your flour in water for about 30 minutes. Then you need to knead the dough until it becomes very smooth, adding more flour if needed. Once this has been done, let it rest for an hour or so before forming into pretzels and baking them in the oven! Let’s discuss about it step by step:
Step 1: Combine the ingredients for the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients for the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of warm water (90 degrees F) and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add this mixture to your flour mixture along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons butter (or margarine). Stir until everything is combined evenly.
Step 2: Mix the dough into a large ball, then use both hands to knead it for five minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth, then let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Use a stand mixer or food processor to mix the dough. If you don’t have one, use your hands instead, but be sure not to squeeze the dough. It should form a ball that is no longer sticky but still soft and pliable—you want to work with it without damaging it too much.
- Knead for five minutes until smooth and elastic (if using your hands). Cover with a damp cloth so that this process doesn’t dry out your starter dough as well! Let rise for about 30 minutes before shaping into pretzels.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
- Set the timer for 10 minutes, then place your pretzels on a baking sheet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side (you may need to flip them over after 2 minutes). Be careful not to burn them!
Step 4: Divide the dough into eight equal pieces
Divide the dough into eight equal pieces, then roll each piece into a long strip that looks like a rope. Twist each strip into a pretzel shape, then dip them in the baking soda-water solution. Place them on a baking sheet in your preheated oven, then bake them between 10 and 15 minutes until they’re golden brown. Making soft pretzels at home couldn’t be easier.
Let cool completely before serving!
What to serve ?
Soft pretzels are always delicious treats, but if you’re looking for something to serve with them, here are some ideas! Serve them with a yummy cheese sauce! You can also serve them with spicy mustard or one of your other favorite dipping sauces. You can also serve them with beer-based mustard, dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard!
Conclusion
These homemade soft pretzels are a great treat to make with your family. They’re easy and fun to make, and they only take about an hour! The best part of all is that if you want even more excitement in your life, it’s never too late – there are so many recipes out there that you can try your hand at making these tasty snacks yourself.
Also check: How to Make Banana Oat Pancakes: Easy and Delicious Recipe
