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Soft and Chewy Pizza Dough Pretzels

soft and chewy pizza dough pretzels - featured image

These soft and chewy pizza dough pretzels feature a crispy crust and are easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for snacks, family gatherings, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda
  • 4 cups (1 liter) water
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil. Carefully stir in 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda until dissolved. Keep the water at a gentle boil while you shape the pretzels.
  2. Shape the pretzels: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a long rope about 18 inches (45 cm) long. Cut into 6 equal pieces. Form each piece into a U shape, cross the ends over each other twice, and press the ends onto the bottom of the U to make a pretzel shape.
  3. Boil the pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, gently lower 2-3 pretzels at a time into the boiling baking soda bath. Boil for 30 seconds per side, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Apply egg wash: Brush each pretzel generously with the beaten egg mixture to ensure a glossy, golden crust.
  5. Sprinkle toppings: Scatter coarse sea salt or other toppings like garlic powder or shredded mozzarella over the pretzels while the egg wash is still wet.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  7. Cool and enjoy: Let pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Best served warm but delicious at room temperature.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath as it creates the signature pretzel crust and color. Use room temperature dough for easier shaping. Brush egg wash evenly for a glossy crust. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even baking. Reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, pizza dough pretzels, chewy pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, crispy crust pretzels