Name: Twist and Taste: Homemade Pretzel Bread Delight
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling the dough); Coarse salt (for sprinkling on top); 1 egg (for egg wash)

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There’s something magical about freshly baked bread, but when that bread has the soft, chewy texture of a pretzel with a golden-brown, salty crust? It’s pure bliss. This Homemade Pretzel Bread Delight is everything you love about soft pretzels—rich, chewy, and delightfully salty—but in the form of a soft loaf of bread. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping into mustard, or just enjoying on its own with a little butter. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this deliciously twisted treat right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Pretzel bread has become a favorite in many bakeries, and for good reason. Its texture is chewy, its flavor is slightly tangy, and that golden crust with a sprinkling of salt makes it irresistible. What’s not to love? Making your own at home is surprisingly simple, and once you try it fresh out of the oven, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. Whether you use it to make sandwiches, serve it alongside soup, or just enjoy a warm slice with a dollop of butter, this pretzel bread is guaranteed to elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this pretzel bread:

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water
Brown sugar
Salt
Baking soda
Unsalted butter
Coarse sea salt (for topping)

For the full list of ingredients, check the details below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the brown sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. While the yeast activates, combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by melted butter. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To get that classic pretzel shape, you can either form it into a long baguette-style loaf or divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into rolls. If you’re making a loaf, gently tuck the ends underneath to form a smooth, round shape.

Step 4: Boil the Bread

This is the fun (and essential) part of pretzel bread! Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the baking soda. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop your loaf (or rolls) into the water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This step is what gives the bread that iconic pretzel texture and flavor. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bread from the water and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the bread is boiled, brush it with a little melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Place the bread in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes for a loaf, or 15-20 minutes for rolls, until golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as the baking time can vary depending on the size of your loaf or rolls.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once your pretzel bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Slice it and serve it warm, or let it cool completely if you prefer a firmer texture.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the dough rise in a warm place: Yeast dough thrives in warmth. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with the light on or on top of a warm stove to speed up the rising process.
Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust: If you have a pizza stone, place the loaf on it while baking for an extra-crisp bottom.
Perfect boiling technique: Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the bread. This ensures the crust gets that signature pretzel-like texture.
Adding flavor variations: You can sprinkle different toppings on the bread before baking, such as garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or even a little cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Whole Wheat Pretzel Bread: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be a bit denser, but it’ll still be delicious.
Cheese Pretzel Bread: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, on top of the bread before baking for a cheesy, savory touch.
Sweet Pretzel Rolls: Add a little cinnamon and sugar to the dough, or drizzle a sugar glaze over the bread after baking for a sweet version perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This homemade pretzel bread is perfect for making sandwiches. Think classic deli-style sandwiches with ham and Swiss, or go for a more hearty choice with roast beef and mustard. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, serve this bread alongside a bowl of warm, cheesy soup (like potato or cheddar broccoli), or simply enjoy it with a side of mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. It’s also perfect for a charcuterie board—imagine pretzel bread slices alongside cheeses, meats, and pickles!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once the bread has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes or toast it lightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

4 FAQs

Can I make pretzel bread with active dry yeast? Yes! Active dry yeast works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to activate it in warm water with sugar before using it in the dough.
Can I make pretzel bread without boiling it? Boiling the dough is what gives pretzel bread its signature chewy, golden crust. Skipping this step will result in a softer, bread-like texture, which won’t have the same iconic pretzel feel.
Can I make mini pretzel rolls instead of a loaf? Absolutely! Just shape the dough into smaller rolls, boil them, and bake them for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll have perfect little pretzel rolls in no time!
What can I use instead of coarse sea salt? If you don’t have coarse sea salt, you can use kosher salt or flaky sea salt as a substitute. Just be careful, as table salt is much finer and saltier, so use less of it.

Conclusion

Homemade Pretzel Bread Delight is an irresistible, comforting treat that everyone will love. The soft, chewy texture, golden crust, and salty finish make this bread perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoying as-is. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this bakery-style bread right at home. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this homemade pretzel bread will steal the show every time. Get ready to twist, bake, and enjoy a loaf of pure deliciousness!

Twist and Taste: Homemade Pretzel Bread Delight

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes rise time)
Yield: 8–10 pretzel breads 1x
Category: Bread, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, German
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

There’s nothing like the irresistible taste of homemade pretzel bread! Soft on the inside with that signature chewy, golden-brown crust, this recipe brings the perfect balance of salty and savory flavors to your table. Ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own, this homemade pretzel bread is a fun twist on classic bread, guaranteed to delight everyone at your next meal or gathering.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Twist each rope into a traditional pretzel shape and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them cook for about 30 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the baking sheet.
Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pretzel bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy as a snack, with mustard, or use for sandwiches!

Notes

Shaping Tips: If you want to make mini pretzel rolls instead of full-size loaves, simply shape the dough into smaller ropes and twist them into bite-sized pretzels.
Freezing: These pretzel breads can be frozen after baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Variations: You can add cheese to the dough for a cheesy pretzel bread or sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.