I. Introduction
Who doesn’t love the salty, chewy goodness of a fresh-baked pretzel? Making pretzels at home may seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make delicious pretzels in no time. Not only will we cover the classic recipe, but we’ll also provide gluten-free and vegan options, different variations of pretzels, and pretzel recipes from around the world. We’ll also dive into the history of the pretzel and provide tasty dip ideas to pair with your homemade pretzels. Let’s get started!
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Kosher salt
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for five minutes, or until foamy.
- Add flour and melted butter to the mixing bowl. Mix using a dough hook attachment until the dough comes together and is smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for ten minutes on medium high speed.
- Grease the mixing bowl with oil or cooking spray and place the dough inside, covering it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches long.
- Shape each rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U-shape and crossing the ends over each other twice. Then, fold the twisted ends down towards the bottom of the U-shape and press it down gently against the base of the pretzel.
- In a large, shallow pot, bring six cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Place each pretzel in the boiling water for 30 seconds, flipping it over halfway through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzels from the water and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
You can also add different toppings to your pretzels such as cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or cheese. The possibilities are endless!
III. Video Tutorial
For a visual aid and detailed instructions, check out this video tutorial on how to make pretzels.
IV. Gluten-free or Vegan Pretzels
For those with dietary restrictions, here are two variations on the classic pretzel recipe:
Gluten-Free Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (or aquafaba for vegan)
- Kosher salt
Follow the same instructions as the classic pretzel recipe above, substituting gluten-free flour and butter (or vegan butter) instead. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Vegan Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 3 tbsp aquafaba
- Kosher salt
Follow the same instructions as the classic pretzel recipe above, substituting vegan butter and using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of beaten egg for brushing. You can also add vegan cheese shreds or vegan pepperoni for a tasty twist.
V. Twist It Up
Aside from the classic pretzel shape, here are some fun variations on the pretzel recipe:
Pretzel Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Kosher salt
Follow the same instructions as the classic pretzel recipe above, but instead of shaping the dough into pretzels, roll them into small balls. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients:
- Hot dogs or vegan hot dogs
- Pizza dough
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Kosher salt
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into strips that are wide enough to wrap around the hot dogs.
- Wrap the pizza dough around the hot dogs, making sure to pinch the ends closed.
- In a large, shallow pot, bring six cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Place each pretzel dog in the boiling water for 30 seconds, flipping it over halfway through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel dogs from the water and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Pretzel Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzel buns or slider buns
- Thinly sliced deli meat
- Cheese slices
- Mayonnaise or mustard
- Lettuce or arugula
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut each pretzel bun in half and place them open-faced on a baking sheet.
- Add a slice of cheese on each bun half and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Add your preferred deli meat on top of the melted cheese.
- Spread mayonnaise or mustard on the other half of the pretzel bun and place it on top of the deli meat.
- Top with lettuce or arugula and enjoy!
VI. Pretzel Recipes from Around the World
Pretzels may have originated in Germany, but they are enjoyed worldwide. Here are a few pretzel-inspired recipes from different cultures:
Bretzel Rolls (Switzerland)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp milk
- Follow the same instructions as the classic pretzel recipe above, but before baking, make a small slit on the top of each pretzel.
- Boil the pretzels in the water and baking soda mixture for 30 seconds.
- After the pretzels have been boiled, brush each one with the egg wash.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix together the cocoa powder and milk until smooth and brush it on top of the pretzel slits.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Churro Pretzels (Mexico)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Follow the same instructions as the classic pretzel recipe above, but instead of shaping the dough into pretzels, roll them into long tubes.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.
- Boil the pretzels in the water and baking soda mixture for 30 seconds.
- After the pretzels have been boiled, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
VII. History of the Pretzel
Pretzels have a long and interesting history. They originated in Germany around the 6th century when monks used them as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The shape of the pretzel is said to represent arms crossed in prayer, or someone folding their arms in protest. Pretzels were also once used as wedding favors, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
The pretzel made its way to North America in the 17th century when German and Swiss immigrants brought the recipe with them. Today, pretzels are a popular snack food enjoyed around the world.
VIII. Pairing Pretzels with Dips and Sauces
Pretzels taste great on their own, but they also pair well with dips and sauces. Here are a few easy and tasty ideas:
Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup beer of your choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- In a medium saucepan, combine beer and cornstarch. Whisk until dissolved.