Italian Pretzels

Elevate your snack game with these irresistible Italian Pretzels, a delicious twist on the classic soft pretzel infused with the bold flavors of Italy. Featuring a rich dough made with olive oil and seasoned with Parmesan cheese and fragrant Italian herbs, these pretzels are boiled for a perfectly chewy texture before being baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds the finishing touch, creating a savory masterpiece that’s ideal for entertaining or indulging at home. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these homemade pretzels are a crowd-pleasing treat with flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Perfect for snack lovers, bread enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an Italian-inspired twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1.25 cups lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2.5 tablespoons baking soda
• 6 cups water (for boiling)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Add the olive oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 20-inch rope and shape into a pretzel.

Step 8

In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Gradually add the baking soda, making sure it dissolves fully.

Step 9

Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Brush each pretzel lightly with the egg wash.

Step 11

Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.

Step 12

Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 13

Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2317.1 grams (2317.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1987

Total Fat 51.10g	66%
Saturated Fat 8.30g	42%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 185mg	62%
Sodium 21985mg	956%
Total Carbohydrate 330.40g	120%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 49.30g	99%

Vitamin D 18IU	91%
Calcium 103mg	8%
Iron 21mg	119%
Potassium 569mg	12%

*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: 23.2%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 66.8%