Basic Soft Pretzels

Warm and chewy on the inside with a slight crust, these pretzels come together in under two hours with basic pantry ingredients. The baking soda bath gives them that distinctive pretzel flavor and golden brown exterior.

Easy Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites You’ll Love to Make at Home

Chewy sourdough pretzel bites with crispy, salt-crusted exteriors and that warm, yeasty aroma filling the kitchen. Makes good use of sourdough discard while delivering something substantial and satisfying in under an hour.

Enjoy these homemade soft pretzels that are easy to make and perfect for snacking or as a party treat. They're soft on the inside with a delightful crust and a hint of saltiness.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water 110-115F. 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. 1 teaspoon salt. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. 4 cups all-purpose flour. Non-stick cooking spray. 10 cups water. 2/3 cup baking soda. 1 egg yolk. Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.

Instructions: Mix yeast and warm water in a bowl. Wait five minutes and then stir it. Mix the yeast with the sugar and salt, then stir it to make it dissolve. Add the flour little by little and mix it in until the dough forms. For about 5 minutes, knead the dough on a floured surface until it gets smooth and springy. Wrap the dough in a towel, grease a bowl, and set it aside for an hour. It will double in size during that time. Warm your oven up to 450F 232C and put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Add the baking soda to the 10 cups of water that has been boiled. Bring the heat down to a simmer. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces, and then roll each one into a rope. Take a rope and roll it into a pretzel shape. Then, dip each one into the boiling water and baking soda mixture for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to take it out. Lay the pretzels out on the baking sheet that has been prepared. Take a small bowl and add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk them together and then brush them on the pretzels. On top of each pretzel, sprinkle coarse sea salt or pretzel salt. It should be baked for 12 to 14 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Let the pretzels cool down a bit before you serve them.

Prep Time: 90 minutes

Cook Time: 12-14