Authentic German Pretzels
Experience the rich tradition of Bavarian baking with these **Authentic German Pretzels**, a true delight for bread lovers. Crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and softened butter, these pretzels feature their signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust thanks to a unique baking soda bath. Perfectly seasoned with coarse sea salt, each pretzel delivers that classic balance of savory and buttery goodness. With straightforward steps like hand-kneading and shaping the dough into iconic twisted forms, this recipe invites you to create an impressive homemade treat that rivals those found in German bakeries. Whether served as a savory snack, alongside mustard or cheese, or paired with a stein of beer, these pretzels are a crowd-pleaser worth every minute of preparation. Perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations or everyday indulgence, these pretzels are your ticket to authentic German flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 10 grams active dry yeast
- 30 grams sugar
- 10 grams salt
- 30 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 300 milliliters warm water
- 80 grams baking soda
- 2 liters water
- 10 grams coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the softened butter and warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 50 cm (20 inches) in length. Form the ropes into pretzel shapes by making a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing the ends onto the bottom of the U.
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda—this will cause the water to bubble up quickly.
Dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds, ensuring all sides are coated. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the pretzels to taste.
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked German pretzels!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.8 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 3722 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 7.1 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 77 mg | 2% | |
*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.
