Best 8 Baked Baking Soda Method For Soft Pretzels Recipes

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Baked pretzels are a delicious and versatile snack or meal companion that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, achieving the perfect combination of crispy crust and soft, chewy interior can be a challenge. The baked baking soda method is a simple and effective technique that results in pretzels with a golden brown crust and a soft, chewy interior. This method involves boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking them in the oven. The baking soda reacts with the acids in the dough to create carbon dioxide gas, which gives the pretzels their characteristic airy texture. Additionally, the baking soda helps to develop a deep golden brown crust. This method is also great for beginners, as it is easy to follow and produces consistent results.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS



Homemade Soft Pretzels image

For a taste of the fair at home, try Alton Brown's Homemade Soft Pretzels recipe from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h55m

Yield 8 pretzels

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for pan
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt

Steps:

  • Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
  • Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
  • In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
  • Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

GOLDEN SOFT PRETZELS



Golden Soft Pretzels image

What makes a pretzel a pretzel is the step of boiling them in baking soda water. If you dip them in baking soda water but don't boil them in it, or if you use egg yolk to brush them, they are not going to turn out like pretzels.

Provided by fenchurch1

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Pretzel Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
½ cup white sugar
2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F/43 to 46 degrees C)
¼ cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
5 cups water
½ cup baking soda
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, or as needed

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast and sugar in 2 cups warm water in a large bowl; let stand until bubbling, about 10 minutes. Beat butter, egg, and 1 teaspoon salt into yeast mixture until smooth. Mix in 2 cups flour to make a wet dough. Stir remaining flour into dough, 1 cup at a time, to make a stiff dough. Form dough into a ball.
  • Grease a large bowl and turn dough around in greased bowl to coat. Cover lightly with a kitchen towel, place in a warm area, and let dough rise until doubled, at least 1 hour. Punch dough down.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease baking sheets.
  • Divide dough in half; cut each half into 8 pieces. Roll pieces out on a floured surface into ropes about 1/2-inch thick. Shape each rope into a pretzel.
  • Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan and dissolve baking soda in the boiling water. Boil pretzels, a few at a time, in the baking soda water for 10 minutes. Arrange pretzels on prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until pretzels are shiny and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 241.5 calories, Carbohydrate 45.4 g, Cholesterol 19.3 mg, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 2370.6 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

SOFT PRETZELS



Soft Pretzels image

If your current pretzel recipe lacks that true pretzel taste, try this one. I searched for a recipe that really tasted like pretzels, not bread. This is the ticket! The directions look daunting, but they are not. I can get a batch from beginning to end in an hour and a half...and worth it! My kids love them for breakfast. I will skip the salting on some of them and bake them plain. They heat them up, brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Provided by MacChef

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 1h30m

Yield 12-36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons soften butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1 cup warm water (115ish degree F)
2 3/4 cups flour
coarse salt
5 teaspoons baking soda
4 cups water

Steps:

  • Put yeast, sugar and water in bowl and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes and add salt, butter and 1 cup flour. Stir till smooth.
  • Add rest of flour and stir till mixed well. When mixture is too stiff to stir with a spoon (or you can use an electric mixer with dough hook like I do), begin kneading. Knead dough till smooth and the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
  • Place dough back in bowl and cover to rise to double it's size.
  • While dough is rising, grease cookie sheet and preheat oven to 475°F Prepare baking soda boil by combining the 4 cups of water and 5 teaspoons baking soda in a non-aluminum pot and bring to a boil on stove.
  • When dough has risen, punch down and knead a minute or so. Divide and roll into 6 inch sticks to about 1/2 inch diameter with your hands, or 12 inch long rolls to make into the pretzel shape.
  • Allow pretzels to sit for 2-3 minutes. Place 1-2 at a time into the boiling baking soda water.
  • Let pretzels boil for 1 minute and 10 seconds on one side, then flip them over and boil 1 minute and 10 seconds on the other side.
  • This boiling step is the secret to firm skin and adds that definite pretzel flavor. Not boiling them long enough leaves them too soft and allows them to rise too much. Boiling too long makes them tough. Err on the side of not too long if unsure.
  • Using a large slotted spoon, lift them out the of water, let them drip off and place on the greased cookie sheet. When all are done, sprinkle with course salt (Parmesan is good too!).
  • Bake 12-15 minutes until the are a medium to dark golden brown.
  • Makes 3 dozen 6 inch sticks or 1 dozen pretzels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 128.6, Fat 2.3, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 5.1, Sodium 739.1, Carbohydrate 23.3, Fiber 1, Sugar 1.1, Protein 3.4

SOFT HOMEMADE PRETZELS



Soft Homemade Pretzels image

Fun to make.

Provided by Pam English

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Pretzel Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon shortening, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
coarse salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • Stir yeast into 1 cup warm water in a large bowl; beat in flour, sugar, shortening, and salt to make a dough. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
  • Place dough into a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal-size pieces. Roll each piece into a rope 18 to 20 inches long.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
  • Shape each rope of dough into a pretzel on the prepared baking sheet; let pretzels rest for 5 minutes. Beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl and brush yolk mixture over each pretzel; sprinkle each with coarse salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until pretzels are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Cholesterol 17.1 mg, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 676.4 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

TRADITIONAL SOFT PRETZELS



Traditional Soft Pretzels image

If you've ever tasted a real German soft pretzel, with a deep, dark, burnished skin showered with crunchy salt crystals, and a yeasty, chewy middle, then you know what you're in for here.

Provided by Andrea Slonecker

Categories     Kitchen Intelligence     Bread     Beer     Bake

Yield Makes 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (1/4-oz/7-g) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1/2 cup/120 ml warm water (between 100 and 115°F/38 and 45°C)
1 tbsp barley malt syrup or 1 tbsp firmly packed dark brown sugar
3 1/4 cups/420 g unbleached bread flour
1/2 cup/120 ml cold pilsner-style beer
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the bowl
2 tsp fine sea salt, such as fleur de sel or sel gris
2 tbsp food-grade lye, or 1/4 cup/60 g baked baking soda (see separate notes)

Steps:

  • Mixing and proofing:
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl. Add the barley malt syrup, stirring until it is dissolved. Allow the yeast to bloom until it is foamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the flour, beer, butter, and salt and continue stirring to form a shaggy mass. Attach the bowl and the dough hook to the stand mixer and begin kneading on medium-low speed. After about 1 minute the dough will form a smooth ball. The dough should be quite firm and may be slightly tacky, but not sticky. (If it is sticky, add a little more flour, about 1 tbsp at a time, and knead it in until the dough is smooth. If the dough is too dry to come together, add more water, 1 tsp at a time.) Continue kneading the dough on medium-low speed until it is elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, turn the shaggy dough out onto an unfloured work surface and knead it by hand.
  • Choose a bowl that will be large enough to contain the dough after it has doubled in size, and grease it lightly with butter. Transfer the dough to the greased bowl and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Put the dough in the refrigerator to rise for at least 8 hours, and up to 24 hours, for optimal flavor.
  • For quick pretzels, allow the dough to rise at room temperature (in a warm spot) until it has doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Shaping:
  • Line two 12-by-17-in/30.5-by-43-cm rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
  • Turn the dough out onto an unfloured work surface and firmly press it down to deflate. To form the classic pretzel shape, cut the dough into eight equal portions. Work with one piece of dough at a time and keep the rest covered with a damp, clean kitchen towel. Pat a piece of dough down with your fingertips to form a rough rectangle about 3 1/2 by 5 1/2 in/9 by 14 cm. Beginning on a long side, roll the dough up tightly, forming it into a little loaf. Pinch the seam together. Shape the dough into a rope by rolling it against the work surface with your palms and applying mild pressure, working from the center of the dough out to the ends. If you need more friction, spray the counter with a little water from a squirt bottle or drizzle a few drops of water and spread it with your hand. Once you can feel that the dough rope doesn't want to stretch any farther (usually when it is between 12 to 16 in/30.5 to 40.5 cm long), set it aside to rest and begin shaping another piece in the same manner. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of dough.
  • Return to the first dough rope and continue rolling it out to a length of 24 to 28 in/61 to 71 cm, leaving the center about 1 in/2.5 cm in diameter and tapering the ends thinly by applying a little more pressure as you work your way out. Position the dough rope into a U shape, with the ends pointing away from you. Holding an end in each hand, cross the ends about 3 in/7.5 cm from the tips and then cross them again. Fold the ends down and press them into the U at about 4 and 8 o'clock, allowing about 1/4 in/6 mm of the ends to overhang. Place the pretzel on one of the prepared baking sheets and cover it with a damp towel. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, spacing out the pretzels on the baking sheets at least 1 in/2.5 cm apart and covering them with a damp towel.
  • Allow the covered pretzels to rise at warm room temperature until they have increased in size by about half, 20 to 30 minutes. (The pretzels can be refrigerated at this point, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 8 hours before dipping and baking them.)
  • At least 20 minutes before baking, position one rack in the upper third and another rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat it to 500°F/260°C/gas 10.
  • Dipping:
  • Prepare the lye solution or baked baking soda solution.
  • Use a large skimmer to gently dip the pretzels in the lye or baked baking soda solution, one or two at a time. Leave them in the solution for about 20 seconds, carefully turning once after 10 seconds. Remove the pretzels from the liquid, drain, and return them to the baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 in/2.5 cm apart. If the ends come detached, simply reposition them. Repeat with the remaining pretzels.
  • Topping and baking:
  • Use a sharp paring knife or razor blade to cut a slit about 1/4 in/6 mm deep in the thickest part of each pretzel (the bottom of the U). Top them as you choose, if desired. Bake the pretzels until they are deep mahogany in color, 8 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans from front to back and top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Transfer the pretzels to a rack to cool for 10 minutes before serving. The pretzels are best enjoyed the day they are made, ideally warm from the oven or within an hour of being baked.
  • Storing:
  • To store the pretzels, allow them to cool completely and then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or put the plastic-wrapped pretzels in a resealable plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat the pretzels in a 350°F/180°C/gas 4 oven for about 5 minutes, or for 10 to 12 minutes if frozen.

SOFT PRETZELS RECIPE BY TASTY



Soft Pretzels Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: milk, dark brown sugar, active dry yeast, flour, salt, melted butter, baking soda, egg, pretzel salt

Provided by Pedro Justiniano

Categories     Bakery Goods

Yield 32 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups milk, warm
4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 packets active dry yeast
8 cups flour
2 tablespoons salt
4 tablespoons melted butter, browned
⅓ cup baking soda
1 egg, beaten
pretzel salt

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix milk, browned melted butter, and dark brown sugar until combined. Add yeast, and let rest for 5 minutes until yeast starts to foam.
  • Mix in the flour ⅛ at a time. When mixing in the final portion, add salt.
  • Remove the dough and use oil to cover the bowl.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Cut dough into 32 pieces and roll them out into thin ropes, twisting the two ends to form a pretzel shape.
  • Add baking soda to a large pot of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side.
  • Beat the egg.
  • Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 calories, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 4 grams, Sugar 2 grams

HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS RECIPE BY TASTY



Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: water, salt, sugar, active dry yeast, flour, oil, baking soda, eggs, coarse salt

Provided by Hannah Williams

Categories     Snacks

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ cups water, warm
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
4 ½ cups flour
3 tablespoons oil, divided
⅔ cup baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
coarse salt

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix water, salt, and sugar until combined. Add yeast, and let rest 5 minutes until yeast starts to foam.
  • Add flour and 2 tablespoons of oil, and mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
  • Remove the dough and use the remaining oil to cover the bowl.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Cut dough into 8 pieces and roll them out into thin ropes, twisting the two ends to form a pretzel shape.
  • Add baking soda to a large pot of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds per side.
  • Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 1 gram

BAKED BAKING SODA METHOD FOR SOFT PRETZELS



Baked Baking Soda Method for Soft Pretzels image

An alternative to working with lye is to dip pretzels in a simmering baked baking soda solution, which will give you a result that is close to the dark, burnished crust that lye imparts. If you prefer to avoid working with lye, or just don't have time to source it, use this method.

Provided by Andrea Slonecker

Yield Good for 1 batch of soft pretzels

Number Of Ingredients 1

1/4 cup (70g) baking soda

Steps:

  • First, you must bake the baking soda. This step should be done while the pretzels are undergoing their first rise, if not earlier.
  • Preheat the oven to 250°F/120°C/ gas 1/2. Spread out baking soda on an aluminum pie pan or a small rimmed baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Bake the baking soda for 1 hour. The baking soda will lose weight as it bakes but maintains about the same volume, so you should end up with about 1/4 cup (60g) of baked baking soda. Allow it to cool completely, and then keep it in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to make pretzels. (If you see more than one batch of pretzels in your future, consider baking a whole box of baking soda in one shot, since it keeps indefinitely. Sift baked baking soda before using, as it cakes after prolonged storage.)
  • Select a large stainless-steel pot and fill it with 8 cups (2L) of water. Be sure to choose a pot that is at least a finger's length wider than the diameter of the pretzels and tall enough so that the water comes up no more than 2 in (5cm) from the rim. (Avoid other metal surfaces, such as aluminum and copper, and nonstick surfaces, which may react with the baked baking soda.) Pour in the 1/4 cup (60g) of baked baking soda, and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once the baking soda dissolves, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Before baking, brush the tops of the pretzels lightly with an egg wash of 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp of water. This will give them a glossy finish.

Tips:

  • Make sure the baking soda solution is boiling when you add the pretzels, and keep them submerged for the full 30 seconds to achieve the signature chewy crust.
  • Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients for precise results.
  • If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Be careful not to over-knead the dough, as this will make the pretzels tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1-2 hours.
  • When shaping the pretzels, make sure to tuck the ends under firmly to prevent them from unravelling during baking.
  • Brush the pretzels with water before sprinkling them with salt, as this will help the salt to adhere.
  • Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crusty, about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion:

The baked baking soda method is a great way to make soft and chewy pretzels at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy these delicious treats whenever you want. Be sure to experiment with different toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, garlic butter, or cheese, to find your favorite combination.

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