Soft pretzel

When it comes to the history of soft pretzel recipes, there is a lot of debate. Some say that soft pretzels originated in Europe, while others claim that they were first created in the United States. No one can say for sure where soft pretzels first originated, but one thing is for sure – they are now a beloved snack all over the world.

The first recorded recipe for soft pretzels dates back to the early 1800s. This recipe was published in a German cookbook and it called for the dough to be boiled in salt water before being baked. This gave the pretzels their signature crispy outer crust.

It is believed that soft pretzels were brought to the United States by German immigrants. The first recorded mention of soft pretzels in the United States is from a newspaper article in 1839. The article described how “soft buns” were being sold by street vendors in Philadelphia.

Advice

Making soft pretzels at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat. For best results, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and knead your dough thoroughly. Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm, humid place, such as near the stove or in a turned-off oven. When boiling the pretzels, use a baking soda bath to help create the classic chewy texture. Finally, brush the pretzels with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish. With a few simple steps, you can make delicious, homemade soft pretzels.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

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Almost-Famous Soft Pretzels

  • milk
  • salt
  • yeast
  • butter
  • apple cider vinegar
  • baking soda
  • dijon mustard
  • mayonnaise
  • salt
  • all purpose flour
  • light brown sugar
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Soft Pretzels

  • yeast
  • water
  • water
  • baking soda
  • brown sugar
  • all purpose flour
  • cinnamon
  • butter
  • cheddar cheese
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Beer Cheese and Soft Pretzel Bites

  • lager beer
  • salt
  • pretzel salt
  • all purpose flour
  • pizza dough
  • dijon mustard
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • onion powder
  • sweet paprika
  • egg yolk
  • cheddar cheese
  • baking soda
  • half
  • worcestershire sauce
  • miss brown house seasoning
  • all purpose flour
  • sugar
  • butter
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Homemade Soft Pretzels

  • pkg active yeast
  • water
  • olive oil
  • baking soda
  • maple syrup
  • salt
  • all purpose flour
  • water
  • salt
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Soft Pretzels

  • pretzel salt
  • mustard
  • water
  • envelope active yeast
  • baking soda
  • light brown sugar
  • water
  • all purpose flour
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Caramel Apple Soft Pretzels

  • confectioners sugar
  • milk
  • cinnamon
  • salt
  • granny smith apple
  • vanilla extract
  • baking soda
  • light brown sugar
  • heavy cream
  • active yeast
  • salt
  • salt
  • butter
  • butter
  • all purpose flour
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Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels Recipe

  • toppping
  • water bath
  • pretzel salt
  • brown rice flour
  • water
  • salt
  • xanthan gum
  • egg
  • yeast
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • white rice flour
  • sugar
  • vegetable oil
  • light corn syrup
  • tapioca starch
  • water
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Soft Pretzels With Pumpkin Beer Cheese in a Multi-Cooker

  • pretzels
  • egg yolk
  • water
  • brown sugar
  • salt
  • active yeast
  • canola oil
  • maldon salt
  • baking soda
  • yellow cornmeal
  • all purpose flour
  • beer cheese
  • black pepper
  • dijon mustard
  • cheddar cheese
  • milk
  • pumpkin ale
  • cayenne powder
  • garlic powder
  • pumpkin puree
  • mozzarella cheese
  • salt
  • all purpose flour
  • butter
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Cinnamon Raisin Soft Pretzels

  • Water bath and to finish
  • baking soda
  • sugar
  • butter
  • cinnamon
  • dark brown sugar
  • Dough
  • dark brown sugar
  • salt
  • raisin
  • active yeast
  • all purpose flour
  • water
  • butter

Ingredient Breakdown

 
salt
water
butter
baking soda
all purpose flour
yeast
sugar
milk
light brown sugar
pretzel salt
brown sugar
egg
active yeast
cinnamon
cheddar cheese
egg yolk
dijon mustard
bread flour
mustard
garlic powder
mayonnaise
grade lye
olive oil
black pepper
onion powder
vanilla extract
honey
mozzarella cheese
xanthan gum
baking powder
dark brown sugar
apple cider vinegar
barley malt syrup
lard
active
lager beer
pizza dough
sweet paprika
half
worcestershire sauce
miss brown house seasoning
pkg active yeast
maple syrup
nutmeg
dark rum
white wheat flour
apple
vanilla ice cream
envelope active yeast
confectioners sugar
granny smith apple
heavy cream
yellow mustard
toppping
water bath
brown rice flour
white rice flour
vegetable oil
light corn syrup
tapioca starch
beer
hot tap water
pumpkin ale
canola oil
maldon salt
cayenne powder
pumpkin puree
yellow cornmeal
raisin
malt powder
gluten-free flour

Insights

Staple Ingredients

  • salt 77%
  • baking soda 73%

Common Ingredients

  • all purpose flour 64%
  • water 64%
  • butter 55%
  • yeast 55%

Usual Ingredients

  • sugar 45%

Rarey Ingredients

  • light brown sugar 23%
  • milk 23%
  • pretzel salt 23%