Soft pretzels are a special treat, but what used to be a fairly cheap snack at the mall has become a bit pricier these days. A pretzel is now $4, and a small dish of pretzel nuggets is even more. And of course, you have to pay extra for dips. Don’t worry soft pretzel lovers, I have a great homemade soft pretzel recipe that is a big hit with the whole family. I even take them camping and the camping group can’t get enough of them. That’s right, they are easy enough to take camping for a whole group. I love these homemade soft pretzels because the dough has just the right touch of sweetness. Try them out and see for yourself!
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Varieties of Soft Pretzels
No matter what mood your in, it seems there is a soft pretzel variety to suit your tastes. Here are some of the common kinds of soft pretzels out there. Best of all, you can make every single one of these pretzels using this homemade soft pretzel recipe!
The Classic Pretzel
Pretzel Nuggets
Pretzel Sandwich
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
Pretzel dogs (or mini pretzel dogs)
Save Money with Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels are much cheaper than a store-bought pretzel. A batch of these soft pretzels can make 6 large pretzels. That would cost you about $24 at a pretzel stand, but a batch of homemade soft pretzels will cost you about $2.
Soft Pretzels can be a quick, easy meal as a pretzel sandwich or a pretzel dog. In our family, We will often make soft pretzels, cut them in half, and put on a slice of cheese and bologna. It’s a quick meal, and so delicious!
If you are looking for a cheap dish for a party or a large gathering, a tray of pretzel nuggets is perfect. Serve with a variety of dips, or even a variety of soft pretzel flavors.
Pretzel dips:
There are lots of dips you can use for your pretzels. In our family, we like to keep it simple with cheese, but here are some other ideas:
Cheese – we like Rico’s
Salsa Cheese
Glaze – whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 T. of milk, and 1/2 t. vanilla
Buttercream Icing
Honey Mustard
Mustard
Marinara
Marshmallow cream cheese – Whip together 8 oz cream cheese and 8 oz marshmallow fluff until light and fluffy
Caramel dip
Preparing the dough
How to Twist a Pretzel Shape
Now, the soft pretzels will taste just as good no matter what shape you make them. But there is something special about that pretzel shape, and it’s not very hard at all. Start by rolling a long, thin piece of dough. Hold the two ends up, letting the middle hang down. While holding the two ends in one hand, twist the bottom part 360 degrees. Then fold the ends down over the middle and you have a pretzel!
Of course, if you can’t master the pretzel shape, make a pretzel twist or nugget. We’ve also made some pretty unusually shaped pretzels along the way. Making pretzels is family time. In fact, as I was trying to make some pretzels to photograph for this recipe, my son and husband came to help make (and eat) soft pretzels. Imagine what it looks like when a 2-year-old is attempting to make a pretzel… I wish I had taken pictures of his pretzels because they really were delicious, even if they weren’t a “traditional” shape.
Making a soft pretzel for a sandwich
To make a soft pretzel for a sandwich, simply keep the dough thicker when you roll it up. Then, make a pretzel as normal. The holes in the pretzel should be relatively small, so that when the pretzel rises and expands, the holes will be closed. Once baked, cut in half and add cheese, bologna, or whatever you like!
The Secret to that Perfect, Golden Soft Pretzel
Once you have your pretzel shapes, you need to dunk that soft pretzel in baking soda water. That is the secret to getting the perfect texture and appearance. Simply put the baking soda and water in a small pan and simmer, and dip each soft pretzel in before placing on the baking tray.
Always put your homemade soft pretzels on nonstick foil or silicone baking mats for baking. Otherwise, they can stick to the tray. While the soft pretzel is still wet from the baking soda, add your salt if desired. I think it’s important to buy pretzel salt. You can use regular salt if you want, and I have in a pinch. They still taste alright, but it’s not like the classic soft pretzel that we all know and love. After you’ve salted the soft pretzels, bake your soft pretzels and coat in butter. If you want to add cinnamon sugar, that needs to wait until after you have baked the pretzel.
Make Ahead Soft Pretzels
I hope that you all love these homemade soft pretzels as much as I do. Please let me know how you like them, and share in the comments your favorite pretzel flavor and dip! And if you are looking for more ideas, check out my other Money-Saving Recipes!
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Equipment
- silicone baking mat or nonstick foil
Ingredients
- 2 T yeast
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 5 cups flour
- pretzel salt
- 1/4 cup butter
Soda water
- 2 T baking soda
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add brown sugar, then mix in flour one cup at a time
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 4 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit
- Measure baking soda and warm water into a small pan. Heat on stove until warm with small bubbles, but not boiling
- Roll and twist pretzels or shape into nuggets
- Dip each pretzel in soda water
- Place on a baking sheet with nonstick foil or silicone baking mat.
- Sprinkle with pretzel salt as desired
- Bake 8 minutes or until golden brown
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter and spread over each pretzel
For Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
- Mix 1/4 cup cinnamon and 1 cup sugar
- After each pretzel has been baked and coated in butter, dip in cinnamon sugar mixture
