Philly Soft Pretzels - Recipesmelissa.com

Philly Soft Pretzels are an iconic part of the Philadelphia food scene, with their warm, chewy texture and a slightly crispy, golden-brown crust. These pretzels are often sold on street corners throughout the city, and they’re a beloved snack for locals and visitors alike. Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, warm, and often paired with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.

Making Philly soft pretzels at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The key to perfect soft pretzels lies in the dough, the boiling process, and the perfect bake. This recipe will take you step by step through creating these delicious pretzels, including tips for achieving that authentic Philly-style pretzel taste and texture.

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for the dough)

For Boiling and Baking:

1/4 cup baking soda (for the water bath)
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough

Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix the dry ingredients: While the yeast is activating, in another large bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
Add the wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir with a spoon or dough hook until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Let the dough rise: Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a clean bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Pretzels

Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Prepare the water bath: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1/4 cup of baking soda (carefully, as it may bubble up). This will help create the signature chewy exterior of the pretzels.
Shape the pretzels: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces (you can make more or fewer, depending on the size of the pretzels you prefer). Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 18-24 inches long, depending on the size of your pretzels. To form the classic pretzel shape, create a “U” with the rope, then twist the ends over each other and press them into the bottom of the “U” to form the pretzel shape.
Place on a baking sheet: Transfer each pretzel to the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow room for expansion during baking.

Step 3: Boil the Pretzels

Boil the pretzels: Once the water bath is boiling, carefully lower each pretzel into the water, one at a time. Boil the pretzels for 30 seconds each, flipping them halfway through using a slotted spoon. This boiling process helps create the chewy texture and golden-brown crust that is characteristic of a Philly soft pretzel.
Remove and drain: After boiling, remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to drain any excess water from the pretzels.

Step 4: Bake the Pretzels

Egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush each pretzel generously with the egg wash to give them a glossy, golden finish once baked.
Add kosher salt: Sprinkle the pretzels with kosher salt while the egg wash is still wet. Be generous with the salt, as it’s a key component of the flavor profile for Philly-style pretzels.
Bake the pretzels: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and have a crisp exterior.
Cool slightly: Once the pretzels are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm: Serve the freshly baked pretzels while they are still warm. Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, and they pair wonderfully with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.
Optional toppings: If you’d like to get creative, you can sprinkle your pretzels with additional toppings like cinnamon sugar for a sweet version, or even add some garlic powder and Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.

Tips for Perfect Philly Soft Pretzels:

Proper yeast activation: Make sure the yeast is properly activated before adding it to the flour mixture. The water should be warm but not hot—around 110°F (43°C)—to ensure the yeast is alive. If the mixture doesn’t bubble and foam after 5 minutes, your yeast may be expired and you’ll need to use fresh yeast.
Kneading the dough: Be sure to knead the dough for the full 8-10 minutes to develop the gluten, which helps give the pretzels their chewy texture. Don’t be afraid to use your hands and really work the dough.
Boiling is key: The baking soda bath is what gives these pretzels their chewy texture and golden color. Don’t skip this step! It may seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for authentic soft pretzel results.
Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the pretzels during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown. The pretzels should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.
Storage: Soft pretzels are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some of the freshness. You can also freeze the pretzels for up to 3 months and reheat them directly from the freezer.

Variations and Creative Twists:

Cheese Stuffed Pretzels: For a cheesy twist, stuff your pretzels with mozzarella cheese before boiling them. Simply flatten the dough, place a piece of cheese in the center, and fold the dough over before shaping and boiling. The result is a gooey, cheesy surprise inside each pretzel.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: For a sweet version of Philly soft pretzels, brush the pretzels with butter after baking, then roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. These are perfect for a dessert or snack.
Pretzel Bites: If you prefer smaller pretzels, roll the dough into smaller balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and follow the same boiling and baking process. These bite-sized pretzels are perfect for dipping and snacking.
Herb Pretzels: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant, savory twist. You can also sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan on top for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Mustard Dipping Sauce: Serve your pretzels with spicy or honey mustard for dipping, or try a tangy beer cheese sauce for a rich accompaniment.
Cheese Sauce: For a cheesy experience, melt some cheddar cheese and use it as a dipping sauce. Add a bit of milk to thin it out if needed.
Pairing with Drinks: Soft pretzels are perfect with a cold beer, cider, or even a refreshing iced tea. The hearty texture of the pretzels pairs well with the crispness of beer or the tanginess of cider.

Conclusion:

Philly Soft Pretzels are a classic treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients, some patience, and a bit of know-how, you can create these deliciously chewy, salty, and golden pretzels that will rival any you’d find on the streets of Philadelphia. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these pretzels are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your homemade Philly-style pretzels with mustard, cheese, or any of your favorite dipping sauces for a truly satisfying treat.