Giant Soft Pretzels

Name: Giant Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 8 pretzels
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup warm water (about 43°C (110°F)); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast; 4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 10 cup water; 2/3 cup baking soda; coarse sea salt (to taste); 3 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)

95 min 8 pretzels Medium

All Recipes

Giant Soft Pretzels

Learn how to make giant soft pretzels with a golden crust and chewy interior, perfect for any gathering.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

95 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's something truly satisfying about biting into a giant soft pretzel, its golden crust giving way to a soft, chewy interior. Originating from Europe, these delightful snacks have made their way into the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Making giant soft pretzels at home is a rewarding experience. The process of shaping the dough, giving it a quick dip in a baking soda bath, and then watching it bake to perfection is both fun and fulfilling.

Ingredients

Servings

Dough

Baking Soda Bath

Topping

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Pro tip: Ensure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.

Form the dough

Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead for about 8 minutes until smooth.

Pro tip: The dough should be slightly tacky, but not sticky.

Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the pretzels

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into pretzels.

Pro tip: Ensure the ropes are even in thickness for uniform baking.

Prepare the baking soda bath

Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Pro tip: Boiling gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.

Bake the pretzels

Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Pro tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>For a crunchy crust, sprinkle coarse sea salt just before baking.</li><li>Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best results in the water bath.</li><li>Use a kitchen thermometer for precise water temperature when blooming yeast.</li><li>Serve warm for the best texture and flavour.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your giant soft pretzels fresh out of the oven for the ultimate experience. They pair wonderfully with mustard, cheese dip, or even a sweet glaze. For storage, keep them in an airtight container for up to two days, or freeze for longer. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, chewy texture.