Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6
Discover the irresistible charm of the traditional Pretzel (Brezn), a beloved German snack with its signature chewy texture, golden-brown crust, and distinctive knot shape. 🥨✨ Originating from Bavaria, these soft pretzels are dipped in a lye solution before baking, giving them their shiny, crispy exterior and iconic flavor. Perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations, cozy gatherings, or simply enjoyed warm with mustard or butter, Brezn are the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients For Pretzel
🔥 For the Dough:
☑ 4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 sugar 🍬
☑ 2 teaspoons🥄 sea salt 🧂
☑ 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons🥄) active dry yeast 🌿
☑ 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C) 💧
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 unsalted butter, melted 🧈
🔥 For the Lye Bath (or Baking Soda Bath Alternative):
☑ ¼ cup food-grade lye (or ⅔ cup baking soda for an alternative) 🧪
☑ 4 cups water 💧
🔥 For Topping:
☑ Coarse sea salt for sprinkling 🧂
☑ Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese for variety 🌱🧀
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Pretzel
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Add the melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
🥨 Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
1️⃣ Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
2️⃣ Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches).
3️⃣ Form a U-shape, cross the ends, twist them once, and press onto the bottom of the U to create the classic pretzel shape.
🧪 Step 3: Prepare the Lye or Baking Soda Bath
1️⃣ For traditional lye: Carefully dissolve lye in water (wear gloves and work in a ventilated area).
2️⃣ For baking soda alternative: Bring water to a boil, then slowly add baking soda (it will foam).
3️⃣ Dip each pretzel into the solution for 20–30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
✨ Step 4: Add Toppings & Bake
1️⃣ Sprinkle coarse sea salt or desired toppings on the pretzels.
2️⃣ Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
3️⃣ Bake the pretzels for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and shiny.
🥨 Step 5: Serve Warm
1️⃣ Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack.
2️⃣ Serve warm with mustard, Obatzda (Bavarian cheese spread), or just plain with a smear of butter.
Golden, chewy, and perfectly salty—Brezn is the ultimate Bavarian snack that pairs beautifully with a cold beer and good company.” 🥨🍺
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
