Traditional German Brezel

Experience the authentic taste of Germany with this Traditional German Brezel recipe that brings the perfect balance of a soft, chewy interior and a signature golden crust. Crafted from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and butter, these homemade pretzels get their distinctively deep color and iconic flavor from a quick dip in a baking soda solution before baking. With an approachable prep time of 45 minutes and a satisfying yield of 8 fresh pretzels, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from Oktoberfest celebrations to casual snacking. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for the final flourish and serve warm with mustard or cheese dip for a truly mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned baker, this step-by-step guide ensures you'll master the art of traditional Bavarian pretzels.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 7 grams Instant yeast
• 15 grams Granulated sugar
• 10 grams Salt
• 60 grams Unsalted butter, melted
• 300 milliliters Warm water
• 80 grams Baking soda
• 20 grams Coarse sea salt
• 2 liters Water for boiling

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Add the melted butter and warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Step 7

Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 60-70 cm (24-28 inches) in length, and form into a pretzel shape by creating a U shape, crossing the ends over each other, twisting once, and pressing the ends onto the bottom of the U.

Step 8

In a pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully. Stir to dissolve.

Step 9

Gently lower each pretzel into the simmering baking soda solution for 30 seconds, using a slotted spoon to turn and remove them. Drain on a wire rack.

Step 10

Place the boiled pretzels on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2996.3 grams (2996.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2329

Total Fat 53.90g	69%
Saturated Fat 31.60g	158%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 131mg	44%
Sodium 33603mg	1461%
Total Carbohydrate 399.60g	145%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 16.10g
Protein 55.10g	110%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 84mg	6%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 628mg	13%

*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: 21.1%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 69.4%