Perfect Pretzels

Discover the joy of homemade bread with this recipe for Perfect Pretzels—golden brown, chewy, and satisfyingly salty! Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of melted butter, these pretzels are the ultimate comfort snack. The secret to their signature flavor and texture lies in a quick baking soda bath before baking, giving them that delectable chew and golden crust. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe guides you step-by-step through kneading, shaping, and baking to achieve authentic pretzel perfection in under 2 hours. Serve them warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or enjoy them plain—every bite is irresistible! Perfect for game day, gatherings, or an indulgent treat at home, these pretzels will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup Baking soda
• 6 cups Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon (or to taste) Coarse salt
• 1 Egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Shape the dough into a ball and return it to the bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring the 6 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.

Step 7

Punch the dough down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches long) and twist into a pretzel shape.

Step 8

Carefully boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the pretzels and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 10

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2444.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2075.1

Total Fat 32.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 246.5mg	0%
Sodium 26472.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 382.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.1g
Protein 55.2g	0%

Vitamin D 18.2IU	0%
Calcium 95.2mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 681.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.3%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 74.9%