Are you craving a crunchy, salty snack that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for Ben's Pretzels will walk you through creating perfectly golden, irresistible pretzels from the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget store-bought – these homemade pretzels are a delicious and rewarding experience, perfect for a quick snack, game day gathering, or even a fun family activity. This recipe is your shortcut to delicious, homemade pretzels, offering a quick dinner idea or a simple addition to your healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt, for topping (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Melted butter (for brushing, optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be dead, so start again with fresh yeast.
Mixing the Dough:
- Add salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Pretzels:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope.
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Form each rope into a pretzel shape: Make a U-shape with the rope, then cross the ends over each other and press them onto the bottom of the U.
Baking the Pretzels:
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In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a boil. Gently drop 2-3 pretzels at a time into the boiling water for 30 seconds. This gives the pretzels their characteristic chewiness and golden brown color.
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Remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. For extra flavor, brush with melted butter after baking.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade pretzels!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Sweet pretzels: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of coarse salt.
- Everything Bagel Pretzels: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt.
- Make it a meal: Serve your pretzels with cheese sauce or mustard for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per pretzel, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe for Ben’s Pretzels is a fantastic addition to your easy recipes collection. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this simple and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion. These pretzels make for excellent homemade cooking and are a great option for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, or simply satisfying that salty craving. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!