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Soft Pretzels

Traditional chewy pretzels with a deep brown crust and coarse salt topping. Briefly boiled in a baking soda bath before baking for authentic flavor.

40 minMediumServes 8270 cal/serving

GermanAppetizerStovetop and OvenVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-FreePork-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk 1.5 cups warm water, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 packet active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Add 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp fine salt, and 4.5 cups all-purpose flour. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.

  3. 3

    Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a long rope, and twist into pretzel shapes.

  4. 4

    Bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds.

  5. 5

    Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet, sprinkle with 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt, and bake at 450 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Soft Pretzels need?

For Soft Pretzels, the oven is set to 450 F (about 230 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 5.

How do I know when Soft Pretzels is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until deep golden brown.

What can I use instead of yeast in Soft Pretzels?

The entry for Soft Pretzels calls for 1 packet active dry yeast. In its place: Instant and active dry yeast swap measure for measure. Active dry wants five minutes in warm liquid first, while instant goes straight into the flour.

Can I make Soft Pretzels dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Soft Pretzels is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Soft Pretzels vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

How many calories are in Soft Pretzels?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 270 calories, with 7 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 980 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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