LEARN
Become A Pretzel Pro
Learn everything you need to know about pretzel-making
What you need
Included in box
- Stone-Milled Bread Flour (630g)
- Yeast
- Pretzel salt
- Basting brush
- Baking soda (36g)
Additional equipment
- Plastic wrap / towel
- Large bowl
- Slotted spoon or slotted spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
Additional ingredients
- Water (12oz.)
- Sugar (1 TBSP)
- Salt for the dough (kosher preferred)
- Butter (recommended)
- Egg (recommended)
Directions
STEP 1: SUMMON THE YEAST BEAST
Warm 12 ounces of water to 110°F to 115°F (usually about 1 minute in the microwave).
Combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Then, add in the flour and salt.
How yeast works
Learn how yeast works in a pretzel
Active vs. instant yeast
Learn the difference between two yeast types
Protein content
Learn how the protein content affects pretzels
STEP 2: KNEAD TO KNOW BASIS
If you have a standing mixer, you could attach your dough hook, stick your dough in it and combine the ingredients on low speed, but it's more fun to get your hands dirty so we recommend tossing the mixer to the side, rolling up your sleeves and getting down and dirty.
Use your hands to combine the ingredients in your bowl. When you've got a handy clump, pluck it out and stick it on a clean counter. Get to kneading the dough into a smooth tight ball for the next 10 minutes.
At minute 2, it's going to feel like a long time. Keep going.
At minute 5, it's going to feel eternal. Keep going.
At minute 8, you'll want to give up. Keep going.
Why you knead dough
Learn why it's important to knead dough
Can you over-knead pretzels?
Yes, but you probably won't and it's low risk
STEP 3: TIME TO RISE AND SHINE
Use your brush to oil a bowl - this will help keep the dough from sticking and generally just make your life and cleanup a little easier.
Drop the dough into the bowl and cover it with a plastic wrap or a cloth.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 25 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
Elements of pretzel tasing
Learn the elements of pretzel tasting
History of pretzels
Learn about the history of pretzels
STEP 4: CHOP & ROLL
Divvy up the dough into 8 parts.
Roll each piece into a long rope and cut that rope in half.
You should end up with 8 - 10 ropes that are about 16 - 20 inches each.
STEP 5: TIE THE KNOT
Use the pretzel twisting instructions below to twist. Remember: there's no such thing as pretzel-perfection and all shapes are ok.
STEP 6: PREHEAT YOUR FUTURE & DIP INTO THE DEEP END
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
Grab a chilled beverage, it's about to get a bit steamy with the oven firing and water boiling.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush with oil. This is to ensure that your pretzels don't stick and require a crowbar to remove. No biggie if you don't have parchment paper, just oil up your baking sheet and you'll be fine.
In a large pot, bring the 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
Gently place each pretzel into the boiling water with a large spatula or slotted spoon. Give your pretzels a 30 second baptism in the boiling water, we're going for a nice moist pretzel, not a waterlogged therapy session. Repeat with the rest.
Why bathe pretzels
Learn why you bathe pretzels in baking soda
What's the deal with lye?
Learn why pros use lye by why we didn't
STEP 7: INTIMATE EGG WASH
In a small bowl, whisk a 1 tablespoon water with a cracked egg.
Grab your brush and lightly paint each pretzel with the egg wash.
If you don't have eggs or prefer not to use them, melted butter will get the job done.
Why use an egg wash
Learn why we recommend using an egg wash
Alternatives to egg wash
Learn about alternatives to egg wash that work well
STEP 8: LANDING THE KISS
Make sure the pretzels have a bit of room between them on the baking sheet. Channel your best salt bae and sprinkle your pretzels salt.
Elements of pretzel salt
The three most important elements of pretzel salt
FINAL STEP: BAKING THE CONNECTION
Bake until golden brown for about 15 minutes, but give them a check at the 12-minute mark.
When done, remove them from the oven and let them briefly cool off. Then dig in!
What role temperature plays
Learn how temperature affects your pretzles
