Description
These homemade pretzels are fluffy inside, crisp outside, and topped with flaky salt. Whether twisted into classic shapes or cut into bite-sized nuggets, they’re a perfect crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the dough:
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry or instant yeast
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp melted butter
For the baking soda bath:
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½ cup baking soda
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4 cups water
For topping:
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3 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
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Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add salt, flour, and melted butter. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 hour in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Shape the pretzels or bites:
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For pretzels: Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll into 24” ropes, and shape into pretzels.
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For bites: Roll into logs and cut into 1-inch pieces.
3️⃣ Prepare the soda bath: Bring 4 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and carefully dip pretzels or bites for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle with salt and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
5️⃣ Butter them up: Brush warm pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
Notes
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Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or cinnamon sugar butter.
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For sweet pretzels, skip the salt and coat with cinnamon sugar after buttering.
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Can freeze baked pretzels and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min