4 Tasty Soft Pretzel Recipes You Can Make at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Pretzels are one of the most popular baked snacks in the world. They come in two main types: hard pretzels and soft pretzels. Hard pretzels are crunchy and dry, while soft pretzels are chewy, warm, and fluffy inside. Many people prefer soft pretzels because of their texture and rich, bread-like flavor. If you have never tried making soft pretzel recipes at home, you might be surprised at how simple the process can be.

There are many different soft pretzel recipes to try, and each one gives you a slightly different experience. You can make a classic salted pretzel, a plant-based version, a sweet dessert-style pretzel, or even a low-carb option for a special diet. No matter what your taste or lifestyle looks like, there is a soft pretzel recipe that fits your needs.

In this article, we will share four tasty soft pretzel recipes that you can try at home. All of them are really easy to make, even for beginners. Let's check them out.

This is the most traditional version of all soft pretzel recipes. It gives you that golden brown crust, chewy center, and salty finish that most people think of when they imagine a freshly baked pretzel.

Ingredients:

- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water

- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- 10 cups water (for boiling)

- 2/3 cup baking soda

- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

- Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1. Pour the warm water into a large bowl. Add the yeast and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture looks foamy.

2. Add the salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and a little elastic.

4. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully stir in the baking soda.

7. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 22 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel form.

8. Dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to lift it out and place it on the baking sheet.

9. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse salt on top.

10. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the pretzels turn deep golden brown.

11. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They taste great with mustard or a cheese dip.

This plant-based version of soft pretzel recipes skips the butter and egg wash while still delivering a chewy texture and beautiful color. It is a great option for anyone who avoids animal products.

Ingredients:

- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water

- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1 tablespoon maple syrup

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

- 10 cups water (for boiling)

- 2/3 cup baking soda

- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (for brushing)

- Flaky salt or sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and maple syrup in a large bowl. Stir and leave for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add the salt, melted coconut oil, and flour. Mix until a dough comes together.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 6 minutes until smooth.

4. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest in a warm spot for 1 hour.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the baking soda slowly and stir to dissolve.

7. Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each one into a long rope and twist it into a pretzel shape.

8. Lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Brush the tops with plant-based milk. Add flaky salt or sesame seeds as topping.

10. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden and firm on the outside.

11. Serve warm with your favorite vegan dipping sauce, such as hummus or a spicy tomato dip.

For anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, this version shows that soft pretzel recipes can still work without regular flour. The dough uses almond flour and mozzarella cheese, which gives it a soft, chewy texture similar to traditional pretzels.

Ingredients:

- 2 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 3 tablespoons cream cheese

- 1 and 1/2 cups almond flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 2 large eggs (divided)

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

- Coarse salt for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds until fully melted and combined.

3. Add the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), and 1 egg to the melted cheese mixture. Stir well until everything comes together into a dough.

4. If the dough feels too sticky, let it cool for a minute before handling.

5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope on a lightly greased surface and shape it into a pretzel.

6. Place the shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of each pretzel.

8. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.

9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pretzels are golden on top and feel firm when lightly touched.

10. Let them cool for 5 minutes before eating. Serve with a low-carb dipping sauce like sour cream or a mustard-based dip.

If you enjoy dessert-style treats, this sweet version is one of the most satisfying soft pretzel recipes you can try. The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water

- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 3 tablespoons sugar (divided)

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- 10 cups water (for boiling)

- 2/3 cup baking soda

- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating after baking)

- 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions:

1. Mix the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, melted butter, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

4. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Bring the 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir.

7. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and shape it into a pretzel.

8. Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then place on the baking sheet.

9. Brush with egg wash and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown.

10. While still warm, brush each pretzel generously with melted butter, then roll or press it into the cinnamon sugar mixture.

11. Serve right away with cream cheese dip or caramel sauce on the side.