Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the warm, chewy goodness of a soft pretzel, this homemade recipe is a game changer. You won’t believe how simple it’s to create that perfect balance of crispy outside and soft inside right in your kitchen.
The aroma wafting through your home while they bake is pure bliss. Plus, you can customize them—add salt, cinnamon, or even your favorite toppings.
I love knowing exactly what’s in them, too. It’s a fun activity to make with friends or family, and trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought pretzels again!
Ingredients of Homemade Soft Pretzels
Making homemade soft pretzels isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the experience and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. The ingredients you’ll need are pretty straightforward, and you might even have most of them right in your kitchen already.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up these delightful snacks.
Ingredients for Homemade Soft Pretzels:
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (plus an additional tablespoon later on)
- 1/4 ounce active dry yeast
- 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Now, let’s talk a bit about these ingredients. You might be wondering why we need hot water. Well, it helps to activate the yeast, which is essential for that lovely rise we all adore in pretzels.
And speaking of yeast, if you’re new to using it, don’t be intimidated. Just make sure it’s fresh—nothing worse than stale yeast ruining your dough.
As for the flour, I usually stick with all-purpose because it gives the best texture, but you could experiment with bread flour if you’re feeling adventurous.
And don’t forget the egg wash; it gives the pretzels that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Making homemade soft pretzels is a delightful adventure that combines a bit of science with a lot of love. To start, grab a large mixing bowl and pour in 2 cups of hot water. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar—this helps feed the yeast. Sprinkle in your 1/4 ounce of active dry yeast and let it sit for a few minutes. It’s like giving the yeast a little wake-up call. You should see some bubbles forming; that’s a good sign!
Now, let’s mix it up. Slowly add in 5 to 6 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. I usually start with 5 cups and add more if the dough feels sticky—nobody likes a messy dough. Use an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed, and beat this mixture until the sides of the bowl start pulling away.
Once you’ve got a nice ball of dough, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it about ten times. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re wrestling with it; just think of it as a mini workout. Now, pour 2 teaspoons of canola oil into the same bowl, swirl it around to coat the sides, and place your dough back in there. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size.
Once your dough has risen like a champion, punch it down (yes, really) and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into an 18-inch strip and twist them into pretzel shapes. Here comes the fun part: fill a large shallow pot with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil. Poach each pretzel for about a minute—this gives them that signature chewy texture.
After poaching, place them on a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam, brush them with a beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish, and bake at 450 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as the aroma will tantalize your senses.
Once they’re golden and perfect, let them cool a bit before diving in. Enjoy with a sprinkle of salt, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even a generous smear of mustard—whatever floats your pretzel boat. Happy baking!
Homemade Soft Pretzels Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the delightful process of crafting homemade soft pretzels, you might wonder how to put your own spin on this classic treat.
You can easily experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or gluten-free options, to suit your preferences. For added flavor, try incorporating spices, such as garlic powder or Italian herbs, into the dough.
If you’re feeling adventurous, shape the pretzels into sticks or bites instead of traditional twists. Topping them with cheese, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning can elevate your pretzel experience.
The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
What to Serve with Homemade Soft Pretzels
When it comes to enjoying homemade soft pretzels, dipping sauces can take your experience to the next level. I love serving mine with classic yellow mustard for that tangy kick.
Creamy cheese sauce is another favorite; it’s perfect for those cheesy cravings. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sweet cinnamon sugar dip—it’s like dessert in a cup!
For a spicy twist, sriracha or jalapeño mustard adds a great kick. Pairing pretzels with craft beer or a fizzy soda can also elevate the experience.
Try out a few combinations, and you’ll find your perfect pretzel partner!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your homemade soft pretzels turn out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and keeping an eye on the dough as it rises.
If you find the dough too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour. When shaping the pretzels, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
For added flavor, experiment with toppings like garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning. If you’re short on time, consider making the dough ahead and refrigerating it overnight.
Finally, serve them warm for the best texture and flavor—trust me, they’ll disappear quickly! Enjoy your pretzel-making adventure!