Soft Pretzels - freshly baked bread

Soft Pretzels

Bagels & Pretzels

Chewy, golden-brown soft pretzels with a salty exterior. Dipped in a baking soda bath for authentic pretzel flavour.

Prep Time

20 min

Proof Time

1h

Bake Time

15 min

Servings

10

Calories

230

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1⅓ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp malt syrup or honey
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix & Knead

    Combine flour, yeast, malt syrup, salt, and water. Knead 10 minutes until firm and smooth.

  2. 2

    Rise

    Cover and rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.

  3. 3

    Shape

    Divide into equal pieces and shape into rings or pretzel shapes.

  4. 4

    Boil/Dip

    Boil in malt water or dip in a baking soda bath as directed.

  5. 5

    Top & Bake

    Add toppings. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes until deep golden.

Baker's Notes

The boil is what makes a bagel a bagel. Skipping it gives you a roll, not a bagel. The malt syrup in the boiling water adds colour and subtle sweetness.

Baker Thomas Moreau

Nutrition Facts

230

cal

7g

Protein

4g

Fat

34g

Carbs

1g

Fiber

376mg

Sodium

Tips & Tricks

  • The boil/dip step is what gives bagels and pretzels their distinctive chewiness.
  • These are best eaten the same day — toast leftovers for best results.
  • Use a firm dough — bagel dough should be stiffer than regular bread dough.

Reviews (4)

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.