Philly-Style Pretzels Recipe
Overview:
Philly-style pretzels, reminiscent of classic bagels with their smooth, shiny exterior and chewy interior, are a delightful treat perfect for lunch or snacks. This recipe yields approximately 16 pretzels, each embodying a balance of flavors and textures that make them irresistible.
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 160.8 per pretzel
- Rating: 5 stars
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Philly-style pretzels:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sugar |
| 2 cups | Water |
| 1 tablespoon | Active dry yeast |
| 3 teaspoons | Instant yeast |
| 2 cups | White wheat flour |
| 1 tablespoon | Sugar |
| 2 1/2 teaspoons | Salt |
| 6 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 2 cups | Water (for boiling) |
| 2 tablespoons | Baking soda |
| – | Salt (for sprinkling) |
| 1 | Egg |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, 2 cups of water, and active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast and sugar dissolve. If using instant yeast, skip this step and add all ingredients at once.
- Add white wheat flour, malt, salt, and enough all-purpose flour to form a soft, non-sticky dough.
-
Knead and Rise:
- Knead the dough well until smooth and elastic. Place it in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
-
Shape the Pretzels:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a log and shape them into pretzels, following the traditional pretzel shape.
-
Boil the Pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil.
- Boil 4 pretzels at a time in the water for about 1 minute. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
-
Glaze and Bake:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- Brush the boiled pretzels with the egg wash and sprinkle them with salt or seeds if desired.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Serving:
These Philly-style pretzels are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them with mustard, cheese dip, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, although they are most delicious when freshly baked.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 160.8 per pretzel
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 13.2mg
- Sodium: 916mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.1g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 5.8g
Tips:
- Flour Choice: Using a combination of white wheat flour and all-purpose flour gives these pretzels their characteristic texture.
- Boiling Technique: Boiling the pretzels briefly in water with baking soda before baking helps achieve the traditional pretzel crust.
- Customization: Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cheese for variety.
- Storage: To maintain freshness, store leftover pretzels in an airtight container once completely cooled.
These Philly-style pretzels are a labor of love, combining traditional methods with wholesome ingredients to create a snack that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit!
