Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Soft pretzels are a delightful snack with a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures. This easy homemade recipe guides you through making warm, buttery pretzels topped with savory cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for any time craving hits.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cups baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
• Pretzel salt
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cheese sauce)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for cheese sauce)
• 1 cup milk (for cheese sauce)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (for cheese sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl covered with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
6. Step 6: Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long, then shape into a pretzel form by making a U shape, twisting the ends twice, and pressing the ends onto the bottom of the U.
7. Step 7: Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and place onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk and water mixture, then sprinkle pretzel salt generously on top.
9. Step 9: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Step 10: While the pretzels bake, make the cheddar cheese sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
11. Step 11: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
12. Step 12: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm until ready to serve.
13. Step 13: Serve the warm soft pretzels with the cheddar cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, brush pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Try swapping the cheddar cheese sauce for a spicy mustard or garlic butter dip.
• Use coarse sea salt instead of pretzel salt if unavailable, but avoid table salt as it can be too fine and overpowering.
• Make smaller pretzel bites by cutting dough into smaller pieces, perfect for parties or snacks.

Storage

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness. Cheese sauce is best kept refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove while stirring.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze baked pretzels in an airtight bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath helps develop the characteristic chewy crust and gives pretzels their classic dark brown color and slight tang.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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4.6 from 74 reviews

This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels recipe guides you through making delicious, golden-brown pretzels with a fluffy interior and a perfect chewy crust. Featuring a simple yeast dough and classic baking soda bath, these soft pretzels are ideal for a snack or party appetizer. The recipe also includes a creamy cheddar cheese dipping sauce for an irresistible combination.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup melted butter

Baking

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cups baking soda
• Pretzel salt
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Cheddar Cheese Dipping Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough: Stir in the kosher salt, melted butter, and gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat the oven and prepare baking soda bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
5. Shape the pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-24 inches in length, then shape into a traditional pretzel form by creating a U-shape, twisting the ends together twice, and folding them onto the bottom of the U.
6. Bake the pretzels: Using a slotted spatula, carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
7. Make the cheddar cheese sauce: While the pretzels bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Serve: Remove pretzels from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with the cheddar cheese dipping sauce.

Notes

• Ensure the water for activating yeast is warm, around 100-110°F, not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use non-iodized salt (such as kosher or pretzel salt) for sprinkling to enhance flavor and texture on the pretzels.
• If you prefer softer pretzels, brush additional melted butter on them right after baking.
• For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or cinnamon sugar as alternate toppings.
• The cheddar cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
• Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for developing the pretzel’s signature chewy crust and color.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, cheddar cheese sauce, snack, baking