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
- Use 2 packages yeast.
- Measure 1 cup liquid, half milk and half water, warm water and milk to about 110°F.
- Add yeast to liquid. Allow to bloom 15 minutes, before proceeding.
- Measure dry ingredients. Make well in center.
- Pour yeast/ milk mixture into well. Stir to mix.
- Add softened butter. Knead dough until soft, elastic and pliable. You can knead by hand or with your stand mixer and dough hook attachment.
- Weigh dough divide quantity by 12 to figure out what each pretzel ball will weigh.
- Measure 12 equal portions. Weighing them is a great way to do that.
- Roll dough on board with palms of hands to create a long rope, tapered at the ends. Roll at least 20″ long.
- To form the distinct pretzel shape, place on parchment paper covered baking pan. in the shape of the letter U.
- Cross ends to make a loop.
- Cross one more time.
- Fold down onto where the bottom of the U was. Shape with fingers.
- Continue with the remaining dough. Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour.
- Add baking soda to large pot with water. Heat to boiling.
- Place coarse salt in small bowl.
- Remove pretzels from refrigerator.
- Place on slotted spoon.
- Drop with slotted spoon into boiling water/ baking soda bath for about 10 seconds.
- Turn with spoon and boil the other side 10 seconds.
- 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
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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,
📖 Recipe
Homemade German Pretzels
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- coarse kosher or sea salt
For Bath
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 quarts water
Instructions
- Combine milk and water and warm to approximately 110°F.
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
- Measure flour and salt and whisk together. Make well in the center of flour. Sprinkle sugar in well.
- Add milk and yeast to the well in the flour. Let bloom for 15 minutes, before proceeding.
- Add softened butter. Knead dough with dough hook on mixer, or by hand into a smooth dough.
- Divide dough into 12 equal parts. A scale will help make them even. Weigh the entire dough ball and divide by twelve to get measurement for each dough ball.
- Roll each dough ball on board with the palm of your hands to form a rope. Start in the center and press dough while rolling back and forth, to create a rope that is at least 20" long, that is tapered at the ends.
- Place rope on parchment lined baking sheet in the shape of the letter U.
- Cross the two ends of dough and lay flat on sheet. Twist ends one more time.
- Fold both ends down to the bottom of where the U was. Press to hold. Continue with remaining dough.
- When all of the dough is rolled and shaped, place the tray in the refrigerator to rest for about 1 hour.
- After resting, turn oven on to 400°F. Add baking soda to water, in a large pot. Heat water to a low boil.
- Score dough with sharp knife on bottom edge. Using a slotted spoon, drop pretzels in water bath for 10 seconds, in small batches. Turn to other side.
- Remove from water bath and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt. Continue until all of the pretzels are done.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until you achieve a dark crust. (It took mine a couple minutes longer)
- Best enjoyed warm.
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
-
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Beer Cheese Sauce
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Horseradish Sauce
- Chocolate Sauce
Nutrition
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.
Cheryl Vath
Hi! I want to use the lye bath…..please provide amounts of water (temp too?) and quantity of lye along with directions…..and I thank you kindly! An October-Fest is in the making 🙂
Beth Neels
I always use a baking soda bath. But the water needs to be boiling when you drop them in. As the recipe says, I use 1/2 baking soda to 2 quarts of water. If you’d like to use food grade lye, follow the packages’ instructions. Wear safety gear as well! Ein Prosit!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
Wow, these have such fabulous texture! These pretzels are absolutely delicious with your honey mustard sauce…and yes, a frosty, cold bier. This recipe was easy to follow with the helpful photos and video!
Beth Neels
I’m so glad you like them Michelle! Thanks for letting me know that you like them.
Beth
I always shy away from making pretzels but you have made it look so easy with your step by step photos that I’m going to give it a try! Thanks!
Beth Neels
It really is easier than I anticipated, as well! Thanks Beth!
Irina Karulina
Many years ago I tried German Pretzels in one of German restaurants and was impressed. I was looking for the best recipe of Homemade German Pretzels. Here we go… I am gonna make them tonight. I just hope that I will get the same look as yours:)
Beth Neels
They are so tasty, aren’t they? Let me know how it goes and share a photo Irina!
Tristin Rieken
Thanks to your easy, step-by-step photos my son and I were able to make these delicious pretzels together. For SURE a keeper of a recipe! Thanks for sharing!!
Beth Neels
Oh great! I’m so glad you liked them Tristin! Thanks for sharing!
Courtney | Love & Good Stuff
Fresh homemade pretzels are a favourite treat in our house. These look delicious Beth!
Beth Neels
Thank you so much Courtney! That’s very kind!
Vicky
Oh my gosh those look so good! I bet they are perfect when served warm with some mustard. I like a lot of mustard on my pretzels so I would just pile some spicy brown mustard on them.
Beth Neels
Yes, many folks like mustard! I do, but my son is more of a cheese guy! Thanks Vicky!