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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the olive oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
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.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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.
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Gradually add the baking soda, making sure it dissolves fully.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
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.
Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
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
Calories |
1987 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.1 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 184 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 21985 mg | 956% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.4 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 49.3 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 103 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 21.4 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 569 mg | 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.
