Bavarian Soft Pretzels

Transport your taste buds to Germany with these golden-brown Bavarian Soft Pretzels, a perfect blend of chewy texture and savory flavor. This homemade pretzel recipe captures the authentic essence of a classic Oktoberfest favorite, featuring a soft, buttery dough crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar. The unique step of boiling the dough in baking soda-infused water creates the signature chewy crust, while a sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a satisfying crunch. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, dipped in mustard, or alongside your favorite beer, these pretzels are an irresistible snack or party treat. Ready in just over 90 minutes, they're easier than you think and worth every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 0.66 cup Baking soda
• 10 cups Water for boiling
• 2 tablespoons Coarse sea salt (for topping)
• 1 Egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2

Add flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 3

Increase to medium speed and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda. Stir to dissolve.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.

Step 8

Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope and shape each rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U, twisting the ends, and folding them down over the base of the U.

Step 9

Using a slotted spatula, gently place each pretzel into the boiling soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 10

Brush each pretzel with the optional egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the pretzels are golden brown.

Step 12

Remove them from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm. Enjoy the traditional Bavarian experience!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3502.1 grams (3502.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2129

Total Fat 32.60g	42%
Saturated Fat 16.90g	85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 246mg	82%
Sodium 53709mg	2335%
Total Carbohydrate 394.80g	144%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 26.30g
Protein 55.20g	110%

Vitamin D 18IU	90%
Calcium 79mg	6%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 683mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.0%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 75.4%