Gourmet Giant Soft Pretzels
Experience the ultimate snack with these homemade giant soft pretzels! With their perfectly chewy crust and a satisfying crunchy sea salt topping, these pretzels are a delightful addition to any gathering. This versatile recipe allows you to create not just giant pretzels, but also delicious pretzel rolls and bite-sized pretzel nuggets, making it perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a tasty treat at home. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy the warm, freshly-baked goodness that brings everyone together.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (None)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (None)
Warm water
1 cup (Temperature should be between 100°F to 110°F)
All-purpose flour
3 cups (Divided into two portions for mixing and kneading)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Baking soda
1/4 cup (For boiling the pretzels)
Large egg
1 (For egg wash)
Coarse sea salt
To taste (For topping before baking)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar into 1 cup of warm water. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy on top, indicating the yeast is activated.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then add the remaining flour gradually, mixing until combined.
3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8 minutes, adding 3/4 to 1 cup of additional flour as needed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when poked. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm location for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough into a smooth disc and divide it into 16 equal wedges. For classic pretzel shapes, roll each wedge into a 24-inch long rope, twist it into a pretzel shape, and for pretzel rolls, roll the wedges into balls. For bite-sized pretzels, cut the ropes into 1-inch sections. Arrange the shaped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly coated with non-stick spray, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and carefully stir in 1/4 cup of baking soda. Gently place 2-3 pretzels at a time into the boiling water, allowing them to cook for 60 seconds on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels, draining any excess water, then place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6
Prepare an egg wash by whisking together one large egg with one tablespoon of water. Generously brush this mixture over the pretzels, ensuring they are well coated. Finish by sprinkling coarse sea salt on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pretzels are a beautiful deep golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Giant Soft Pretzels?
Gourmet Giant Soft Pretzels are homemade snacks known for their chewy crust, soft interior, and crunchy sea salt topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 servings, which can be shaped into giant pretzels, rolls, or nuggets.
What temperature should the warm water be for the yeast?
The warm water should be between 100°F and 110°F to properly activate the active dry yeast.
How long should I let the yeast mixture sit?
Allow the yeast, sugar, and water mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
How do I know if the yeast is activated?
The yeast is activated when the mixture becomes frothy on the top.
What type of flour is used in this pretzel recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour, divided for the initial mixing and the kneading process.
How long do I need to knead the pretzel dough?
You should knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for approximately 8 minutes.
What is the correct texture for the kneaded dough?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when poked.
How long does the dough need to rise initially?
The dough should rise in a warm location for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
How many pieces should I divide the dough into?
After the initial rise, divide the dough into 16 equal wedges.
How do I shape a classic giant pretzel?
Roll a dough wedge into a 24-inch long rope and then twist it into the classic pretzel shape.
Can I make pretzel rolls with this dough?
Yes, simply roll the dough wedges into balls instead of twisting them into ropes.
How do I make bite-sized pretzel nuggets?
Roll the dough into ropes and then cut them into 1-inch sections to create nuggets.
Is there a second rise required after shaping the pretzels?
Yes, once shaped and placed on the baking sheet, let the pretzels rise for another 30 minutes.
What is the oven temperature for baking the pretzels?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Why are the pretzels boiled in baking soda water?
Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water gives them their traditional chewy texture and helps with browning.
How much baking soda should be added to the boiling water?
Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a large pot of rolling boiling water.
How long do the pretzels boil for?
Cook the pretzels for 60 seconds on each side in the boiling water.
What should I use to remove pretzels from the boiling water?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain any excess water before placing them back on the baking sheet.
How do I make the egg wash for the topping?
Whisk together one large egg with one tablespoon of water to create the egg wash.
What type of salt is recommended for the topping?
Coarse sea salt is recommended to be sprinkled on top before baking.
How long do the pretzels bake in the oven?
Bake the pretzels for 15-18 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the pretzels are finished baking?
They are done when they have reached a beautiful deep golden brown color.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
The recipe recommends using a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly coated with non-stick spray.
Are these pretzels good for parties?
Yes, they are described as a delightful addition to any gathering, party, or game day.
What can I serve with these pretzels?
They are best enjoyed warm and served with your favorite dipping sauces.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls under snacks, appetizers, and yeast breads.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
The recipe is tagged as an 'easy recipe', making it accessible for home bakers.
Can I adjust the amount of salt used?
Yes, the coarse sea salt topping can be added to taste.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The main tags include pretzels, homemade, snack, baking, and comfort food.