Homemade Soft Pretzels – Perfect Baseball Snack
Craving a classic baseball snack that’s easy to make and sure to please? These Homemade Soft Pretzels are not only fun to prepare, but they’re also soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for game day or any time you want a tasty treat.
Craving a classic baseball snack that’s easy to make and sure to please? These Homemade Soft Pretzels are not only fun to prepare, but they’re also soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for game day or any time you want a tasty treat.
Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Uniquely fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Quick preparation—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable toppings, from classic salt to cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
How to Make
To prepare these irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzels, start by activating the yeast. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Next, mix in the flour and salt. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Once ready, cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. When the dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Twist the rope into a pretzel shape, then dip each pretzel in a baking soda solution. Finally, place them on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips
- Add toppings right after the egg wash for better adhesion.
- Make sure the baking soda solution is boiling for optimal texture.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Let it rise, and then refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before shaping.
Storing
Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pretzels before baking. Place shaped pretzels on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Reheating
Reheat pretzels in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to revive their softness.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzels are perfect served with mustard, cheese dip, or a spicy sriracha sauce for an extra kick. Pair them with your favorite beverage and enjoy the game!
For your kitchen, consider investing in a high-quality dough mixer to make your baking experience even easier!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
Mix yeast with warm water
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy.
Add flour and salt; knead
Add flour and salt; knead until smooth.
Let dough rise
Let rise for 1 hour.
Shape into pretzels and prepare baking soda bath
Divide, shape into pretzels, and dip in baking soda solution.
Bake pretzels
Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle salt, and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
- Great for stuffing with cheese or other fillings!
- Experiment with toppings like garlic powder or sesame seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. You can substitute with the same amount of instant yeast. No proofing is required.
How do I store leftover pretzels?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?
Yes. You can shape the pretzels and refrigerate them overnight. Bring to room temperature and bake when ready.
Is egg wash necessary?
Egg wash gives color and shine. You can omit it or use a dairy-free alternative, but the pretzels may be paler.
Can I freeze the pretzels?
Yes, you can freeze the pretzels (before or after baking). Reheat from frozen; add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
