Soft Sourdough Pretzels: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Soft Sourdough Pretzels! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy pretzel with a perfectly golden-brown exterior and a tangy sourdough flavor that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend project, these homemade pretzels are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Sourdough Pretzels
- Unique tangy flavor from the sourdough starter
- Soft and chewy texture with a crispy exterior
- Perfect for snacking, parties, or as a side to your favorite soup
- Customizable with various toppings and dips
- A fun and rewarding baking project for all skill levels
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | 30 minutes (plus 4-12 hours for fermentation) |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 12-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-13 hours |
| Servings | 8 large pretzels |
| Calories | Approximately 250 per pretzel |
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, warm water, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let ferment at room temperature for 4-12 hours, depending on your starter’s strength and desired tang.
- Shape: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches long. Form into a pretzel shape by creating a U-shape, then crossing the ends and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Second rise: Place shaped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat: Towards the end of the rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Boil: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda to a boil. Gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Recommended Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen scale (for precise measurements)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot (for boiling)
- Slotted spoon
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Wire cooling rack
Tips for Perfect Soft Sourdough Pretzels
- Use active starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor.
- Don’t skip the boiling step: This crucial step gives pretzels their characteristic chewy texture and shiny exterior.
- Experiment with toppings: Try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for variety.
- Serve with dips: Pair your pretzels with mustard, cheese sauce, or a homemade beer cheese dip for an extra treat.
Elevate Your Snack Game
These Soft Sourdough Pretzels are more than just a snack – they’re a delicious adventure in baking. The tangy sourdough flavor, combined with the classic pretzel texture, creates a unique and unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a weekend treat, or impressing your friends with your baking skills, these pretzels are sure to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that sourdough starter, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create pretzel perfection. Your taste buds (and your impressed guests) will thank you!
