Types of Soft Pretzels

Selling Soft Pretzels: What Are Your Options?

Pretzel Shapes

How to Make Soft Pretzels

Using this simple recipe, you can form the soft pretzels into any shape you'd like, and top with a variety of sweet and savory condiments, dips, cheese, and spice blends. Or, use it to create a stuffed soft pretzel filled with whatever ingredients you like! Once baked, the soft pretzels can easily be frozen and simply re-heated in the microwave prior to serving for a more streamlined operation.

Yields: 8 large soft pretzels

Bake Temp: 450°F

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 2 oz. unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• Baking Soda Solution:
  • 9 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
• Egg Wash:
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp. water

Steps:

1. Combine the 1 1/2 cup warm water and sugar in your mixing bowl. Sprinkle a packet of active dry yeast on top and allow that to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.
2. On the side, whisk the bread flour and kosher salt together, and add to your yeast mix, along with 2 ounces of melted unsalted butter.
3. Using the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer, mix on low speed to combine, and then 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. Note: If you do not have a stand mixer or dough hook attachment, you can mix by hand.
4. On the side, whisk the bread flour and kosher salt together, and add to your yeast mix, along with 2 ounces of melted unsalted butter.
5. Using a bench knife or sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 sections. Working with one section at a time while the others stay covered, pre-shape the dough. Then, starting in the middle and working outwards, roll the dough until it's about 24" long.
6. To make its signature twisted shape, first make a U-shape, then cross the ends over twice and press them into the top of the pretzel.
7. Bring your baking soda solution to a rolling boil.
8. One at a time, carefully lower the pretzels into the water using a large, slotted spatula or spoon and boil for 20-30 seconds each. This will give the pretzel its signature golden-brown crust and iconic pretzel flavor. Place on a parchment-lined pan and brush the top of each pretzel with an egg wash, and then sprinkle with pretzel salt.
9. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, until golden brown, and transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes.

How to Store Soft Pretzels:

Soft pretzels are extremely easy to store and save for later consumption. Once they have completely cooled to room temperature, store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container, or place in a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month in a freezer. If you freeze the soft pretzels, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes.

What to Serve with Soft Pretzels:

Soft pretzels are an easy way to keep up with consumers' expectations for menu customization. Toppings and dips allow you to customize and enhance the flavor of your soft pretzels, which adds perceived value to the pretzel and gives you the opportunity you to increase its price and increase your profits! Some of the most popular toppings and dips that consumers love are:

• Mustard
• Cheese
• Crab dip
• Garlic parmesan
• Cinnamon sugar
• Melted chocolate