Classic Philly Pretzels
Indulge in the authentic taste of Classic Philly Pretzels, a delightful snack hailing from the streets of Philadelphia! These old-fashioned pretzels boast a smooth and shiny crust reminiscent of bagels, while their chewy interior is simply irresistible. Perfect for lunch, snack time, or entertaining guests, these pretzels are sure to be a hit. With a simple yet satisfying preparation, you'll bring the flavors of Philly right into your kitchen. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them plain for a taste of tradition.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 (tablespoon)
water (warm)
2 (cups)
active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 (tablespoon)
wheat flour
3 (cups)
non-diastatic malt drink powder or sugar
2 (teaspoons)
salt
1 (tablespoon)
all-purpose flour
2.5 (cups)
water
6 (cups)
baking soda
2 (tablespoons)
pretzel salt or kosher salt
to taste (for sprinkling)
egg
1 (large, mixed with water)
water
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 cups of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast (or instant yeast) and stir gently. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes if using active yeast.
2
Add 3 cups of wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of non-diastatic malt drink powder (or sugar), and 1 tablespoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate enough all-purpose flour (approximately 2.5 cups) until you have a soft, pliable dough that is not sticky.
3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log approximately 24 inches long, then shape the logs into pretzels.
5
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda carefully to avoid splattering.
6
Boil the pretzels in batches of 4 for 1 minute, making sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.
7
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the pretzels are still warm, brush them with an egg glaze made from 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Sprinkle with pretzel salt or kosher salt as desired.
8
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a lovely aroma. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.625
Fat
37.5
Carbs
6.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Philly Pretzels?
They are an authentic Philadelphia-style snack featuring a smooth, shiny crust and a chewy interior.
How long does it take to activate the yeast for this recipe?
It takes about 5-10 minutes for the yeast, warm water, and sugar mixture to become foamy.
How much wheat flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of wheat flour.
What can I use as a substitute for non-diastatic malt drink powder?
You can use an equal amount of sugar as a substitute for the malt powder.
How much all-purpose flour should be added to the dough?
Approximately 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour should be added gradually until the dough is soft and pliable.
What is the recommended kneading time for the dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long should the dough rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
How many pretzels does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 equal-sized pretzels.
How long should each piece of dough be rolled?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a log approximately 24 inches long before shaping.
How much water is needed for the boiling process?
A large pot should be filled with 6 cups of water.
How much baking soda is added to the boiling water?
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda carefully to the boiling water.
What is the boiling time for the pretzels?
The pretzels should be boiled for 1 minute in total, making sure to flip them halfway through.
How many pretzels should be boiled at one time?
Pretzels should be boiled in batches of 4 to ensure even cooking.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
What is the egg glaze made of?
The glaze consists of 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
When should the salt be applied to the pretzels?
Sprinkle the salt on the pretzels after brushing them with the egg glaze while they are still warm before baking.
How long do the pretzels need to bake?
Bake the pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown.
How many calories are in one Philly pretzel?
Each pretzel contains 200 calories.
What is the protein content of one pretzel?
Each pretzel provides 6.25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There is 0.625 grams of fat per pretzel.
What is the carbohydrate count for these pretzels?
One pretzel contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast or instant yeast.
What type of salt is recommended for the topping?
You can use either pretzel salt or kosher salt to taste.
What is the best way to serve these pretzels?
They are best served warm, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauces.
What should the dough look like before the first rise?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and placed in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth.
How should the pretzels be removed from the boiling water?
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them directly onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
Is sugar used in the dough?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is used in the initial yeast mixture to help it foam.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include snack, baked goods, traditional recipe, chewy pretzels, and Philadelphia-style.
What gives the pretzels their shiny crust?
The combination of boiling them in baking soda water and brushing them with an egg glaze creates the shiny crust.
What is the total number of ingredients listed?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.