A Deliciously Chewy and Savory Treat
Dive into the world of homemade baking with these classic soft pretzels. Perfectly chewy and flavorful, these pretzels are made with simple ingredients but deliver extraordinary taste. Whether you're enjoying them as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish, these pretzels are sure to become a favorite. The golden-brown crust, achieved through a traditional baking soda bath, adds the perfect touch to these delightful treats.
Equipment Needed
To make these delicious homemade soft pretzels, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
- Dough scraper or knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Oven
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 825g flour (type 650)
- 500ml water
- 70g brown or white sugar
- 10g dry yeast
- 7g salt
- 60ml sunflower oil
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 2 liters water
- 100g baking soda
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the sunflower oil to the yeast mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 12-16 pieces).
- Roll each piece into a long rope, then shape it into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends together, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
- In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil.
- Carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up).
- Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Pretzels:
- Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade soft pretzels! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and share your experience.