Easy Soft Pretzel Bread Recipe – Golden, Chewy Crust

Learn the art of creating soft pretzel bread, renowned for its unique golden crust and delightfully chewy texture. This versatile bread is ideal for crafting sandwiches, enhancing burgers, or serving as a delicious side dish.
This Pretzel Bread Recipe provides the perfect blend of flavor and adaptability, ensuring it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 8 slices or rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 7g (2 tsp) salt
• 7g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
• 60ml (4 tbsp) melted butter

For the Pretzel Bath:

• 1.5L (6 cups) water
• 60g (1/4 cup) baking soda

Topping:

• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Ingredient Description:
This pretzel bread recipe uses a baking soda bath for that signature flavor and color, topped with coarse salt for a classic finish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Gradually add warm water and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rest in a greased bowl for 1 hour, or until doubled.
3. Shape: Shape the dough into a loaf or individual rolls. Let them rest for 20 minutes.
4. Boil: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bring water and baking soda to a boil. Dip each loaf or roll into the solution for 30 seconds, ensuring even coating.
5. Bake: Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until deep golden brown.
6. Cool: Let cool before slicing or serving.

Pretzel Tips:

1. Baking Soda Bath: Boil the dough briefly in a baking soda and water bath before baking for the signature chewy texture and dark crust.
2. Score the Dough: Make small cuts on top before baking to allow steam to escape and create the traditional look.
3. Use Coarse Salt: Sprinkle coarse sea salt or pretzel salt on top for authentic flavor.
4. Handle the Dough Gently: Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a soft crumb.
5. Serve Warm: Pretzel bread tastes best fresh and warm, with butter or your favorite dip.

Pretzel Variations:

• Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread: Stuff the dough with cheese for a gooey center.
• Herbed Pretzel Bread: Add garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough.
• Sweet Pretzel Bread: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a dessert version.
• Whole Wheat Pretzel Bread: Use part whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and healthier option.
• Mini Pretzel Rolls: Shape the dough into smaller rolls for individual servings.
• Spicy Pretzel Bread: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the dough for a spicy twist.

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