Pretzel bread

Pretzel bread is a soft, chewy bread with a rich, golden-brown crust reminiscent of classic soft pretzels. This versatile bread can be served as dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or a loaf for slicing.

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cooking Intensity: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110–115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

• 10 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For the Topping

• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into your desired portions:
   • For rolls: Divide into 8–12 pieces and shape into balls.
   • For buns: Divide into 6–8 portions and flatten slightly.
   • For a loaf: Shape into a single oval loaf.
2. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda carefully (it will foam up).
3. Gently place each piece of dough into the boiling water, one or two at a time, and boil for 30 seconds per side.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back onto the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Brush the tops of the boiled dough with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown.
3. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Success

• Boiling: The baking soda bath gives the pretzel bread its iconic chewy crust and deep color, so don’t skip this step!
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
• Storing: Pretzel bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 8 Rolls)

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 6g

This pretzel bread is an irresistible combination of soft interiors and crisp, salty crusts. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own, it’s sure to be a hit at any table!