Soft and Chewy Homemade Pretzels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by on in Snacks

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft pretzel fresh from the oven. And while you can easily buy pretzels at a shopping mall or a sports stadium, there’s something special about making them yourself at home. Homemade pretzels are not only delicious, but they’re also fun to make and a great activity to do with the family.

Here’s my tried and true recipe for the best homemade soft pretzels you’ll ever taste:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast has dissolved, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the salt and 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
  3. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and forms a ball.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
  8. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 24 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape.
  9. Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.
  12. Serve the pretzels warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard or cheese sauce.

Making soft pretzels at home is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth it. These soft and chewy pretzels have a slightly crisp exterior and a tender interior, making them the perfect snack or party food. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best homemade soft pretzels of your life!