Here's an easy pretzel recipe you can try at home! These soft pretzels are delicious and perfect for snacking.
Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe
Ingredients:
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For the Pretzels:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for the boiling solution)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
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For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
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Activate Yeast:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Make the Dough:
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
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Let It Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare Boiling Solution:
- In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a gentle boil.
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Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches) and shape it into a pretzel.
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Boil the Pretzels:
- Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water solution for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
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Egg Wash and Sprinkle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel and then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
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Bake:
- Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with mustard or cheese dip!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or cheese before baking.
- If you want to try a sweeter version, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.
Enjoy your homemade pretzels!