How To Make Delicious Soft Pretzels With Pizza Dough?

Soft pretzels are a delightful and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own, with dips, or as a side to your favorite dishes. While pretzels might seem like a bakery-exclusive treat, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home using simple pizza dough.

Whether you’ve got leftover dough or you’re intentionally starting from scratch, this guide will show you how to craft delicious, chewy, soft pretzels with ease.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 quarts of water
  • 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Optional toppings: grated cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Pastry brush

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 22 inches in length. To form the pretzel shape, make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends, cross them over each other, and press onto the bottom of the U to make the shape.
  3. Boil the water in a large pot over high heat, and then carefully add the baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
  4. Boil the pretzels (one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pot) for 30 seconds each, flipping halfway through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Add any other optional toppings at this time.
  6. Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the pretzels turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For The Perfect Soft Pretzels

  • Make sure to boil the pretzels before baking. This step is crucial for getting the traditional pretzel texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a shinier finish, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water for the egg wash instead.
  • For a lighter pretzel, let the shaped dough rest for an additional 10 minutes before boiling.
  • For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the dough before shaping.
  • Be sure not to skip the step of lining your baking sheet as it will prevent sticking and the pretzels will retain their shape better.

Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories210
Total Fat3g
Sodium450mg
Total Carbohydrates40g
Dietary Fiber1g
Sugars2g
Protein6g

Frequently Asked Questions For How To Make Delicious Soft Pretzels With Pizza Dough

Can Pizza Dough Make Soft Pretzels?

Yes, pizza dough can be used to create soft pretzels with a delicious twist on the classic snack.

What Ingredients Enhance Pretzel Flavor?

Using baking soda in a water bath gives pretzels their traditional flavor and texture.

Is Pretzel-Making With Pizza Dough Easy?

Making pretzels with pizza dough is a simple and fun process suitable for bakers of all levels.

How Long To Bake Pizza Dough Pretzels?

Bake pizza dough pretzels for about 15 minutes at 450°F (232°C) until they’re golden brown.

Conclusion

These simple steps allow you to turn your ordinary pizza dough into an extraordinary batch of homemade soft pretzels. Whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or just a craving for a salty snack, these pretzels are sure to impress.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your unique twist on this classic treat.

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