Sourdough Pretzels

You’ll love these soft and chewy Sourdough Pretzels made with homemade sourdough starter. They are the perfect snack for any occasion.

There’s something about a soft pretzel that just feels comforting and familiar, whether you’re enjoying one at a ballpark or from the corner of your kitchen. Now, imagine elevating that classic comfort with the tangy flavor of sourdough.

These sourdough pretzels combine the chewy texture and golden-brown shine of traditional soft pretzels with the distinctive taste of sourdough, creating a snack that’s not just delicious but also brings a homemade charm.

Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or just enjoying on their own, these pretzels are a testament to the magic of baking with sourdough.

There’s something truly special about pulling a batch of homemade sourdough pretzels from the oven. The aroma, the golden crust, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from simple ingredients make it all worth it.

Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough enthusiast or new to the world of baking, these pretzels are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

Let’s dive into how to make these twisted delights, shall we?

Common Questions About Sourdough Pretzels

Can I Use Sourdough Discard for This Recipe?

Yes! Sourdough discard works wonderfully, adding depth and utilizing something you might otherwise throw away. As the saying goes, waste not, want not! Am I right?

How Can I Ensure My Pretzels Have That Shiny Crust?

The egg wash and boiling water with baking soda bath are key. They work together to create that classic shiny and chewy crust. Get the kids involved with this if you can. It’s like a little baking science experiment!

Can I Make These Pretzels in Advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and let it rest overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling. This is a great way to save time on the day you want to eat them.

Storage

That sourdough flavor is something I came to love as a child. For some, it can take a little getting used to. I can’t get enough of it!

Refrigerator

While best enjoyed fresh, you can refrigerate pretzels for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to restore some of the original texture.

Freezer

Freeze pretzels on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Tips

Take notes on the recipe card so next time you make these pretzels you’ll know what’s up!

• Weigh your ingredients with a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, especially for the flour and water.
• Let the dough rest in a warm place to ensure a proper rise, contributing to the pretzels’ chewy texture.
• Boil each pretzel for just 30 seconds per side to help set the crust without cooking the inside.
• Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer pretzels to and from the boiling water bath.
• Experiment with toppings like pretzel salt, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese before baking.

Ingredients

Pretzel recipes are traditionally pretty simple and I’ve tried to keep this one that way. Doesn’t it all look yummy?

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Active and bubbly sourdough starter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Brown sugar
• Egg yolk
• Coarse kosher salt for topping

How to Make Sourdough Pretzels

Letting that dough rise is crucial to the process. It gives your pretzels just the right amount of that airy quality. So tasty!

1. Combine the flour, water, sourdough starter, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix with the dough hook on the lowest speed for 5-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. 
2. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours or until it doubles in size. 
3. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions. 
4. Roll each portion into a 14”-18” rope and then shape it into a U.  
5. Twist the two ends of the rope twice and press them into the base of the U-shape.
6. Set the formed pretzels aside to allow the shaped dough to rise for approximately an hour. 
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F.  
8. Create the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together in a small bowl. Set aside.
9. In a large stockpot, combine the water, baking soda, and brown sugar and bring to a boil.  
10. Place the shaped pretzel dough into the boiling water bath for 30 seconds on each side, one or two at a time making sure they don’t touch.  
11. Carefully remove and place the boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  
12. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle them with coarse salt.  
13. Bake for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. 
14. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Sourdough Pretzels

Get your cookie sheets ready! This sourdough pretzel recipe is the perfect use for them. Even better than cookies I’d say!

• Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
• Large bowl for mixing and resting dough
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Large pot for boiling water
• Pastry brush for the egg wash
• Slotted spoon for transferring pretzels

What to Serve With Sourdough Pretzels

These pretzels are a delight with a variety of dips—classic mustard, warm beer cheese dip, or even a homemade creamy mushroom gravy for a hearty twist. They’re also great as a standalone snack or as part of a larger appetizer spread.

Why You Should Make Sourdough Pretzels

Making delicious recipes like this one is all about memories for me. The flavors, textures and aromas will stick in your mind for years to come.

• Unique flavor: Sourdough adds a delightful tang that sets these pretzels apart.
• Versatile snack: Perfect for parties, game days, or just because.
• Fun to make: Shaping pretzels is a great activity for bakers of all ages.
• Satisfying texture: Achieve that beloved chewy crust with a soft interior.

Variations and Add-Ins for Sourdough Pretzels

Let me know how all this goes in the comments. I’d love to see pictures of your finished product! It’s always great to hear from you guys.

• Pretzel bites: Instead of shaping ropes, cut the dough into bite-sized pieces for a fun twist.
• Sweet and savory: Add a cinnamon sugar mixture instead of salt before baking for a sweet treat.
• Stuffed pretzels: Fill the dough with cheese or sausage before shaping for a delicious surprise.
• Whole wheat: Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.

If you love this pretzel recipe, you’re going to love these other snacks too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Soft Pretzel Recipes

Soft Pretzel Bites

3-Ingredient Soft Pretzels

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel Bites

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