Soft Homemade Pretzel Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Homemade pretzels that are soft and fluffy on the inside with a chewy and salted exterior. Easy to make and absolutely no rising time needed!

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Buttery Soft Pretzels

Many of you have enjoyed my mini pretzel bites recipe, so I thought I’d make a post for the regular-sized version as well. If you’re new to working with yeast, these homemade pretzels are great for beginners because unlike my bagel recipe there is not rise time. Just shape, boil and bake them!

In my opinion, there is nothing quite like a hot, buttery and salted pretzel. It’s pure comfort food, especially paired with a creamy cheese sauce. And instead of ordering one while you’re out, try making them fresh at home!

These homemade pretzels are soft, fluffy and chewy all at the same time. The recipe comes together super quickly and you don’t need to allow time for rising. They’re made in under an hour!

We love making these for game day or a Sunday evening snack. You can freeze any leftovers to pull out the next time you need a quick and easy snack or appetizer.

How to Make Soft Pretzels

All in you need is 5 simple ingredients to make these delicious soft pretzels. I bet you already have everything in your pantry. Scroll down for the printable recipe with exact measurements.

Ingredients

• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Flour
• Baking Soda

How to Shape

These pretzels are easier than you think to shape. First you’ll want to separate dough into 12 sections. Using your hands roll the dough into ropes about 15-20 inches long and 1 inch thick. Then form the rope into a circle and twist the top ends together.

Next bring the twisted ends down the center of the circle and pinch together with the bottom to form the pretzels.

Baking Soda Boil

You may wonder if you really need to do the boil with baking soda, but it is an important step. This is what will help give the dough that classic pretzel texture, flavor and color. All you’re going to do is boil about 8 cups of water. Then once it has started boiling, add in the baking soda.

Place the pretzel dough into the water for about 20 seconds, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on top.

Bake in Oven

Once you’ve given all of the pretzels the baking soda boil, it’s time to bake them. Let them bake until they’re golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Sometimes I’ll broil them during the last minute of cooking to help brown the tops even more.

Dipping Ideas

It’s no secret that soft pretzels taste amazing with cheese sauce. Our favorite pretzel cheese sauce is below, but I also listed a few other options that would taste delicious as well.

• Pretzel cheese dip
• Honey mustard sauce
• Nacho cheese dip
• Queso blanco
• Ranch dressing

Freezing + Reheating

To freeze: Once pretzels have cooled completely, transfer to a freezer bag or container and store in freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheat in oven: Preheat oven to 300°F and bake until warm throughout, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Reheat in microwave: Let thaw, then cook in microwave for about 30 seconds.

More Homemade Bread Recipes

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