Name: How to Make Pretzel Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (+ about ¼ cup to knead); 2 tbsp. butter; 1 tbsp. brown sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. sea salt; 6 cups water; 1/4 cup baking soda

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Pretzel bread brings the best of soft pretzels to other delicious baked goods. You get a hard crunchy outer layer with a soft, fluffy interior that's tasty by itself while still going with any number of other foods. Whatever form your bread takes will be the perfect addition to any meal.

You make the dough much like you would make any other bread dough. The difference with pretzel bread, however, is the baking soda bath it gets before going in the oven. A quick dip in hot water and baking soda for less than a minute gives the bread its signature taste and texture.

6 pretzel bread rolls layed flat on a pan.

Learning how to make pretzel bread is easy when you use this recipe and simple technique. You'll need about 40 minutes prep time and another hour and 20 minutes for letting the dough rise and baking it. You can get 6 burger buns or 9 dinner rolls with this recipe.

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Step #1. Prepare Ingredients

Pretzel bread ingredients on a wooden board.

To begin making pretzel bread, gather the follow ingredients & items:

1 tbsp. dry yeast
¾ cups warm water (+ about ¼ cup to knead)
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sea salt
Spider Strainer

For the baking soda bath:

6 cups water
¼ cup baking soda

Step #2. Prepare Yeast

Add the yeast to the warm water and mix well.

Step #3. Mix Butter & Sugar

Melt 1 tbsp. of butter and add it to the brown sugar, mix well. (Reserve the other tbsp. of butter.)

Step #4. Add to Yeast Mixture

Pouring butter mixture into pretzel dough.

Pour the butter and sugar mix into the yeast and water mix. Let it sit for 2 more minutes (until foamy).

Step #5. Add Mixture to Flour

Place the 2 cups of flour in a large bowl. Make room in the center and progressively add the yeast mixture into the middle of the flour. Add an extra ¼ cup water to knead.

Step #6. Mix into Dough

Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough separates from the bowl.

Step #7. Place Dough Ball onto Floured Surface

When it starts forming a ball, place the dough on a working surface with a little more flour.

Step #8. Knead the Dough

Start kneading with constant movement for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is not too sticky and the texture is smooth.

Step #9. Add Salt & Continue Kneading

Adding salt to dough on floured surface.

Add 1 teaspoon salt and continue kneading for about 2 more minutes.

Rolling dough on floured surface with hands.

Step #10. Let Dough Rest

Place the dough back in the bowl (with a little more flour so it doesn’t stick). Cover it with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Covering dough in bowl with plastic wrap.

Step #11. Remove Air Bubbles

Knead again over a working surface, removing the air pockets inside the dough.

Step #12. Form a Long Roll

Dough formed into a long roll on floured surface.

Form a long roll with the dough.

Step #13. Cut into Pieces

Cutting roll in half on floured surface.

Cut the roll in 9 pieces (for small buns) or in 6 pieces (for burger-size buns).

Step #14. Form into Balls

Take each of the pieces and form a nice round ball using your hands.

Step #15. Cut an X into Each Roll

Use a cooking razor (or a very, very sharp knife) to cut an X over each roll.

Step #16. Cook the Rolls in a Baking Soda Bath

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring 6 cups of water and ¼ cup of baking soda to a boil. (Use a pot with high sides because there will be some foaming action.) Add the rolls one by one and let them cook for 30 seconds on each side. Remove to a greased pan.

Step #17. Brush Butter Over Buns

Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the buns.

Step #18. Sprinkle With Sea Salt

Sprinkle some sea salt over the buns.

Step #19. Bake for 20 Minutes

Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes (until they are a nice brown color).

Step #20. Serve & Enjoy

This pretzel bread recipe gives you the basics. If you want to change things up, you can take it in any direction you like. You can divide the dough into smaller pieces to make pretzel bites. You can keep the dough together and create a loaf of pretzel bread for slicing and adding to a tasty sandwich.

Like soft pretzels, this bread goes well with a number of dipping sauces. Beer cheese is a classic. Honey mustard will give you tang and sweetness in a single bite. Flavored cream cheese, ranch dressing, and nacho cheese are great easy-to-make party options.

Salt isn't the only thing you can top pretzel bread with. Cinnamon and sugar on the bun offer a sweet treat while melted chocolate brings a luscious flavor. Parmesan cheese is an easy mix with salt. Try mixing your favorite cheese with pepperoni, jalapenos, or bacon for a complete taste sensation.

How to Make Pretzel Bread