Home-Baked Soft Pretzels
Cook Time: 20 minutes | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
Straight from the heart of Philly, these homemade soft pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic snack. While soft pretzels are a common sight in Philly, these home-baked ones offer a unique twist reminiscent of Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels – softer, airier, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving a savory treat or looking to impress your guests at a potluck, these pretzels are sure to steal the show.
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Grains, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Less Than 60 Minutes, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 104.7
- Fat Content: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 311.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 3.2g
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars | Review Count: 11
Recipe Yield: 20 pretzels
Ingredients:
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard, for serving
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready for action.
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Add flour and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and form a soft dough. This dough will be the base for your delicious pretzels.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently until it becomes smooth and elastic, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving your pretzels that perfect chewy texture.
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Grease a large bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 15 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size, thanks to the magic of yeast.
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While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Get ready to bake those pretzels to golden perfection!
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles that may have formed. Then, divide the dough into 20 equal pieces. This will ensure that each pretzel is perfectly portioned and bakes evenly.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a long rope, roughly 15 inches in length. Then, twist each rope into a classic pretzel shape – you know, that iconic looped design that we all love.
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In a separate bowl, combine cold water and baking soda. This solution will give your pretzels that distinctive chewy crust and golden color. Brush this mixture over each pretzel, making sure to coat them evenly.
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Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzels. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also gives them that signature pretzel look.
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Place the pretzels on non-stick baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each one. This will allow them to expand as they bake without sticking together.
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Pop those pretzels into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent any over-browning.
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Once they’re done, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly. But who are we kidding? These pretzels are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven!
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Serve your freshly baked pretzels with an assortment of mustards for dipping. Whether you prefer classic yellow mustard, spicy Dijon, or tangy honey mustard, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these homemade delights.
Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels, straight from the heart of Philly!
