Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

If there’s ever been a kitchen project that feels both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, it’s this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe! Imagine that chewy, warm, golden-brown pretzel with a hint of sweetness and a salty finish—this recipe makes it delightfully simple to bring that bakery magic right into your own home, and the Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce is the ultimate bonus treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe is built on ordinary pantry staples that work together to yield that perfect soft, slightly sweet, salty pretzel you dream about. Every ingredient has its special place—helping with rise, flavor, or that iconic burnished look.

• Warm Water: Wakes up the yeast and provides the liquid base for your dough—aim for about 110°F for best results.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the finished pretzels.
• Kosher Salt: Flavors the dough and makes the taste “pop.” It’s also key for the classic crunchy topping.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic that lifts and aerates the pretzel dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for that signature soft yet chewy crumb.
• Melted Butter: Creates richness throughout every bite.
• Water and Baking Soda (for boiling): This classic pretzel bath gives each piece its signature flavor and chewy, shiny crust.
• Egg Yolk + Water: Whisked and brushed on top, this makes the salt stick and gives a dark, lustrous bake.
• Pretzel Salt: The large flakes give that classic, bakery-style finish and a delightful crunch—you can sub coarse sea salt if needed.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: For greasing your bowl and pan to prevent any sticky situations during rising or shaping.
• Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce (optional but highly recommended!): A dreamy blend of butter, flour, milk, cheddar, Velveeta, and salsa verde—creamy, tangy, and SO good with hot pretzels.

Variations

This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe is endlessly fun to tweak—whether you’re channeling classic stadium snack energy or craving something sweet, make it your own with these delicious variations.

• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Skip the salt topping, bake as directed, then brush with melted butter and toss in a cinnamon-sugar blend for dessert-level goodness.
• Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and thinly sliced jalapeños onto the pretzels before baking for a spicy, cheesy twist.
• Whole Wheat Swap: Substitute half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour—adds rustic flavor and a bit of extra fiber.
• Vegan-Friendly Option: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy “egg” wash (like aquafaba) to suit vegan preferences without losing that irresistible soft texture.

How to Make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Pour the warm water into your stand mixer bowl, then stir in the sugar and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it hang out for about 5 minutes—watch for little bubbles and foam, a sure sign your yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add the flour and melted butter to the bowl, then use your dough hook to mix on low until combined. Once no dry patches remain, increase to medium speed and knead for 4 to 5 minutes. The dough should get smooth and pull away neatly from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: First Rise

Take the dough out for a moment, clean your mixing bowl, and spray it with non-stick spray. Return the dough, flip so the top gets coated in oil, then cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, 50–55 minutes—this is where all the pillowy fluff forms!

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Once risen, place the dough on a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each one into a 24-inch rope, shape into a U, then cross the ends over twice and press them down to form that classic pretzel shape. It’s surprisingly fun—don’t worry, they don’t have to be perfect to be delicious!

Step 5: Baking Soda Bath & Baking

Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully lower one pretzel at a time into the bath for 30 seconds—this step is what gives the pretzels their chewy crust and deep brown color. Next, lift each out, set onto your greased parchment-lined pans, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 450°F until gorgeously golden, about 12–14 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce

While the pretzels bake, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar and Velveeta until completely melted, then swirl in the salsa verde. Let it all simmer on low for extra creamy, flavorful dipping sauce—simply irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes

The magic is in the details—after baking, a brush of warm melted butter and a sprinkle of extra pretzel salt make these irresistible. For a sweet treat, dust cinnamon sugar over buttered pretzels for an instant dessert spin, or go bold with everything bagel seasoning.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe with bowls of Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce, classic spicy mustard, or creamy ranch dip. They play beautifully alongside hearty soups, chili, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter touch—perfect for lunch or game day spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack pretzels on a big board for a festive “pretzel party,” hang them from mini wooden dowels for a Bavarian vibe, or slice leftovers into strips for sturdy dippers at your next cheese fondue. Individual pretzel bites are great for snacks or lunchboxes, too—big flavor, little effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep fresh-baked pretzels soft, store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. Add a slice of bread in the bag—it helps keep them moist and delicious!

Freezing

These pretzels freeze like a dream! Once fully cooled, wrap individually and stash in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. You can even freeze before baking after shaping, then pop straight into the baking soda bath and bake straight from the freezer (add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time).

Reheating

To revive that bakery-fresh goodness, reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or pop one in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw slightly before warming. For an ultimate treat, brush lightly with water and warm in the oven for a few minutes until soft and steamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of this Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe is pure comfort and joy—whether for family snack time or a fun get-together. Grab your favorite dip, spin up a few twists, and let your kitchen fill with the heartwarming aroma of fresh soft pretzels. Give it a try and make memories, one salty, warm bite at a time!

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