Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe: How to Make Buttery Soft Pretzels

A pretzel is a type of baked bread product made from dough and shaped into a distinctive twisted knot. The signature chewy golden brown crust is made from dipping the dough in alkaline water before baking. This process gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel and gives them a unique flavor.

1. 1. Cinnamon Sugar: Try brushing warm pretzels in melted butter and rolling in a combination of sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. 2. Pretzel Buns: Pretzel buns are perfectly burnished, dense rolls that are similar to a soft pretzel but more versatile in shape. Smother with pats of butter, stuff with your favorite sandwich fixings, or enjoy them straight off the baking sheet.
3. 3. Pretzel Dogs: A pretzel dog is a soft pretzel wrapped around a hot dog or sausage, which makes a delicious on-the-go lunch or appetizer.
4. 4. Bavarian Pretzel: German soft pretzels, called Brezeln or Brezen in Germany, are soft inside and deep brown on the outside from boiling in a lye or baking soda solution before baking. German pretzels are shaped slightly different than American soft pretzels with bulging thick rounded tops and extra thin sides.
5. 5. Everything Pretzels: Similar to bagels, these pretzels are topped with aromatic everything bagel seasoning (poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt).
6. 6. Jalapeño Cheddar: Pretzels filled with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
7. 7. Sour Cream and Onion: Pretzels brushed in butter and rolled in tangy ranch seasoning mix.

Pretzel shapes can vary from hearts and knots to long twists and Mickey Mouse ears, but if you want to go for the classic knot shape, here’s how to do it:

1. 1. On a lightly floured surface (a clean kitchen countertop works great), shape the piece of dough into a cigar shape, then use the palms of your hands to continue rolling it back and forth on the surface. Working from the middle of the dough, gently roll outward as you lengthen the rope.
2. 2. Roll out the rope to a length of at least 18 inches or more. Take the rope ends and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring the ends towards yourself and press them down onto the bottom curve. Use water to wet the ends to help them stick to the dough.

1. 1. Honey Mustard: A simple 1:1 ratio of sweet honey and tangy mustard is one of the easiest dipping sauces to make at home.
2. 2. Nacho Cheese: Smooth and creamy nacho cheese is liquid gold when it comes to dipping sauces for soft pretzels.
3. 3. Hummus: Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip and spread that is often enjoyed with pita bread, but pretzels are another tasty option for this healthy dip.
4. 4. Ranch dressing: Like pizza crusts, pretzels make an excellent pairing for this creamy, herbaceous dip.
5. 5. Marinara: Skip the Italian breadsticks and dip your pretzels in a marinara or pomodoro sauce for a light and tangy dip.
6. 6. French Onion Dip: This creamy and rich dip is a crowd pleaser at any party. Try serving up a platter of pretzels with this addicting dip.
7. 7. Caramel: If you’re a fan of salted caramel, try dipping your pretzels into decadent caramel sauce for a sweet and savory contrast of flavors.

Become a better home cook with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Dominique Ansel, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, and more.

A pretzel is a type of baked bread product made from dough and shaped into a distinctive twisted knot. The signature chewy golden brown crust is made from dipping the dough in alkaline water before baking. This process gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel and gives them a unique flavor.

1. 1. Cinnamon Sugar: Try brushing warm pretzels in melted butter and rolling in a combination of sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. 2. Pretzel Buns: Pretzel buns are perfectly burnished, dense rolls that are similar to a soft pretzel but more versatile in shape. Smother with pats of butter, stuff with your favorite sandwich fixings, or enjoy them straight off the baking sheet.
3. 3. Pretzel Dogs: A pretzel dog is a soft pretzel wrapped around a hot dog or sausage, which makes a delicious on-the-go lunch or appetizer.
4. 4. Bavarian Pretzel: German soft pretzels, called Brezeln or Brezen in Germany, are soft inside and deep brown on the outside from boiling in a lye or baking soda solution before baking. German pretzels are shaped slightly different than American soft pretzels with bulging thick rounded tops and extra thin sides.
5. 5. Everything Pretzels: Similar to bagels, these pretzels are topped with aromatic everything bagel seasoning (poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt).
6. 6. Jalapeño Cheddar: Pretzels filled with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
7. 7. Sour Cream and Onion: Pretzels brushed in butter and rolled in tangy ranch seasoning mix.

Pretzel shapes can vary from hearts and knots to long twists and Mickey Mouse ears, but if you want to go for the classic knot shape, here’s how to do it:

1. 1. On a lightly floured surface (a clean kitchen countertop works great), shape the piece of dough into a cigar shape, then use the palms of your hands to continue rolling it back and forth on the surface. Working from the middle of the dough, gently roll outward as you lengthen the rope.
2. 2. Roll out the rope to a length of at least 18 inches or more. Take the rope ends and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends, then bring the ends towards yourself and press them down onto the bottom curve. Use water to wet the ends to help them stick to the dough.

1. 1. Honey Mustard: A simple 1:1 ratio of sweet honey and tangy mustard is one of the easiest dipping sauces to make at home.
2. 2. Nacho Cheese: Smooth and creamy nacho cheese is liquid gold when it comes to dipping sauces for soft pretzels.
3. 3. Hummus: Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip and spread that is often enjoyed with pita bread, but pretzels are another tasty option for this healthy dip.
4. 4. Ranch dressing: Like pizza crusts, pretzels make an excellent pairing for this creamy, herbaceous dip.
5. 5. Marinara: Skip the Italian breadsticks and dip your pretzels in a marinara or pomodoro sauce for a light and tangy dip.
6. 6. French Onion Dip: This creamy and rich dip is a crowd pleaser at any party. Try serving up a platter of pretzels with this addicting dip.
7. 7. Caramel: If you’re a fan of salted caramel, try dipping your pretzels into decadent caramel sauce for a sweet and savory contrast of flavors.

Become a better home cook with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Dominique Ansel, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, and more.