Homemade Soft Pretzels
Chewy, golden soft pretzels with a coarse salt crust and cheese dip
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026
Homemade soft pretzels are chewy, golden, salty perfection — that bakery-fresh taste and aroma right from your own oven.
The baking soda bath is essential — it gives the outside that distinctive pretzel color, flavor, and chew.
Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven and shower with coarse salt.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 cups water + 2/3 cup baking soda (for bath)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- 1
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add flour and salt. Knead 5 minutes until smooth.
- 2
Let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- 3
Divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into a 24-inch rope and shape into pretzels.
- 4
Bring baking soda water to a boil. Dip each pretzel for 30 seconds. Place on parchment-lined sheet.
- 5
Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes until deep golden.
- 6
Brush hot pretzels with melted butter. Serve with warm cheese dip or mustard.
