Homemade German Pretzels

These Homemade German Pretzels are so much easier than you think. Soft pretzels are the perfect thing to go with that delicious Hofbräu bier!

🎶 Ein prosit, Ein prosit der Gemütlichkeit! 🎶 OK, sing it with me people!! (Sorry, now it will probably be stuck in your head all day! 😂 😂) In all seriousness though, what would a trip to your local Oktoberfest be without indulging in one of those warm, soft, pillows of air? (With, of course, that stein of bier (beer) to wash it down!)

Brief history of Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in honor of the marriage of King Ludwig (then crown prince) to Theresa on October 12, 1810. Since then, it has evolved into one of largest festivals in the world, held yearly in Munich, Germany. Approximately a 2 week affair, it attracts over 6 million people annually, who consume approximately 7.7 liters of beer each, according to this article.

Foods of Oktoberfest

During the festival, many local food specialties abound, including;

• Wiesen Hendl (Oktoberfest Roast chicken)
• Würstl (German sausages)
• Schweinebraten (Roast Pork)
• Schnitzel (Breaded Cutlet)
• Sauerbraten (Marinated Beef Roast)
• Sauerkraut
• Rotkraut (Red Cabbage)
• Knödel (Potato Dumplings)
• Käsespätzle (Cheesy Noodles)
• Schwartzwälder kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake)
• Apfelstrudel (Apple pastry)

and, of course,

• Brezel (pretzel)

What are German pretzels?

German pretzels, or Brezel are a yeast bread, shaped into a knot, that are traditionally topped with salt. You can literally find them in every single German bakery you visit.

Also known as Lye Pretzels, they are cooked in a lye or washing soda bath briefly, to give them their characteristic crust texture. Yet, they have a chewy, soft center. They are the perfect snack, or accompaniment to any of the above dishes.

What you need

• flour – use all purpose or bread flour
• milk
• water
• yeast
• butter
• salt – use coarse kosher salt, sea salt or pretzel salt
• baking soda, or more traditionally, food-grade lye. If you use lye be sure to wear protective clothing like gloves and eye protection because the lye can burn you.

How to make German pretzels

1. Use 2 packages yeast.
2. Measure 1 cup liquid, half milk and half water, warm water and milk to about 110°F.
3. Add yeast to liquid. Allow to bloom 15 minutes, before proceeding.
4. Measure dry ingredients. Make well in center.
5. Pour yeast/ milk mixture into well. Stir to mix.
6. Add softened butter. Knead dough until soft, elastic and pliable. You can knead by hand or with your stand mixer and dough hook attachment.
7. Weigh dough divide quantity by 12 to figure out what each pretzel ball will weigh.
8. Measure 12 equal portions. Weighing them is a great way to do that.
9. Roll dough on board with palms of hands to create a long rope, tapered at the ends. Roll at least 20″ long.
10. To form the distinct pretzel shape, place on parchment paper covered baking pan. in the shape of the letter U.
11. Cross ends to make a loop.
12. Cross one more time.
13. Fold down onto where the bottom of the U was. Shape with fingers.
14. Continue with the remaining dough. Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour.
15. Add baking soda to large pot with water. Heat to boiling.
16. Place coarse salt in small bowl.
17. Remove pretzels from refrigerator.
18. Place on slotted spoon.
19. Drop with slotted spoon into boiling water/ baking soda bath for about 10 seconds.
20. Turn with spoon and boil the other side 10 seconds.
21. Remove from pot. Sprinkle with salt.

Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until browned. Enjoy warm or cold, but warm ones are superior.

What sauces to serve with them?

German pretzels are delicious by themselves, but many people enjoy them with sauces. Some of the most popular dipping sauces for pretzels are;

• Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
• Beer Cheese Sauce
• Spicy Brown Mustard
• Horseradish Sauce
• and even, for a sweet touch, Chocolate Sauce

Other delicious breads

• Brioche
• Rye Bread for the Bread Machine
• Sourdough Hamburger Buns
• English Muffins
• Cheesy Herbed Quick Bread

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Tools I use German pretzels

Contains affiliate links, for full disclosure, see FTC Disclosure, here.

• Kitchenaid mixer
• cutting board
• baking sheet

That’s how easy it is to make German Pretzels. Zum wohl, (or Cheers)! Thanks for stopping by today!

Enjoy! And have fun cooking!

Xoxo,

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something, at no additional cost to you. See FTC Disclosure, here.

Originally published October 25, 2019. Updated July 24, 2022.