Soft Ball Pretzels Courtesy of Paula Deen

Indulge in the irresistible magic of Paula Deen's Soft Ball Pretzels, a perfect fusion of chewy, golden-brown goodness with a touch of buttery decadence. This easy homemade pretzel recipe transforms basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt into a warm, savory treat ideal for game days, snacks, or casual gatherings. The secret to their distinctive flavor lies in a quick dip in a baking soda bath before baking, giving them that signature pretzel texture and taste. Whether shaped into classic pretzels or fuss-free dough balls, these fluffy delights are finished with a sprinkle of salt and can be brushed with melted butter for an extra layer of richness. Ready in under an hour, these crowd-pleasers are best served warm and paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Perfect for pretzel lovers seeking an easy-to-make, homemade snack!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:57 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Baking soda
• 2 cups Hot water
• 2 tablespoons (or to taste) Coarse salt (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons (for brushing) Optional: melted butter

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and stir in the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 3

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 6

In a shallow bowl or dish, dissolve the baking soda in hot water. Stir until completely dissolved.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 18 inches long, then twist into a pretzel shape or form into simple balls.

Step 8

Dip each pretzel or ball into the baking soda solution, ensuring it's fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzels or balls as desired.

Step 10

Bake the pretzels for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Step 11

Optionally, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter for added richness.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1078.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2328.7

Total Fat 62.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 155.9mg	0%
Sodium 9954.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 381.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 13.6g
Protein 52.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 137.7mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 670.6mg	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: 24.6%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 66.3%