Description
Homemade pretzel bread offers a golden, crusty embrace of German bakery magic, blending salty charm with hearty comfort. Warm slices invite you to savor each rustic bite, promising a delectable journey through traditional baking artistry.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
Preparation Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast catalyst by gently combining tepid liquid with sugar, then sprinkle yeast and allow it to transform into a frothy mixture within 5-10 minutes.
- Create a foundational dough by blending flour and salt, then integrate the activated yeast and melted butter, stirring until a cohesive mass develops.
- Transfer the nascent dough onto a flour-dusted workspace and methodically massage and stretch for 8-10 minutes, developing a silky, resilient texture.
- Nestle the dough into a lubricated vessel, envelop with a cloth, and permit rising in a tranquil environment until volume doubles, approximately one hour.
- Deflate the risen dough with gentle pressure, then sculpt into a rounded artisan loaf or partition into individual rolls.
- Establish a transformative alkaline bath by bringing water to a vigorous boil and incorporating baking soda.
- Submerge each bread formation into the effervescent solution for 20-30 seconds, ensuring complete coating before transferring to a lined baking surface.
- Warm the culinary workspace to 400°F (200°C), preparing for the baking ritual.
- Embellish the bread surface with a whisked egg wash and sprinkle with coarse crystalline salt for textural enhancement.
- Bake until the exterior achieves a rich, mahogany-like complexion – approximately 20-25 minutes for a loaf, or 15 minutes for individual rolls.
- Allow the freshly baked creation to rest momentarily, then slice and present alongside complementary accompaniments like creamy butter, zesty cheese dip, or tangy mustard.
Notes
- Create a warm environment around 75-80°F for optimal yeast activation and rising, avoiding cold drafts that can slow down the process.
- Experiment with different flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free blends to customize texture and nutritional profile while maintaining similar hydration levels.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder directly into the dough for a gourmet twist without changing core technique.
- Handle dough gently during shaping to preserve air pockets, ensuring a light and fluffy interior with signature pretzel bread texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg