Are you craving that irresistible salty-sweet flavor of pretzels but don't want the fuss of hand-kneading dough? Then this pretzel bread recipe, made effortlessly in your bread machine, is for you! This easy recipe delivers deliciously soft and chewy pretzel bread, perfect for a quick dinner, a satisfying snack, or a show-stopping addition to your next brunch spread. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with minimal effort – it's a game-changer for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Bread Machine Prep:
Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients:
Add the softened butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the bread machine pan. Select the “dough” setting on your machine. Most machines have a setting that allows you to just make dough – this is perfect for shaping our pretzel bread later.
Step 3: Dough Cycle:
Let the bread machine knead the dough for the designated time, usually around 15-20 minutes. If the dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of additional flour, one at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water.
Step 4: Shaping the Pretzel:
Once the dough cycle is complete, gently punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape – you can find helpful visual guides online!
Step 5: Boiling the Pretzels:
Bring the baking soda and 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Gently place one pretzel at a time into the boiling water for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. This creates that signature pretzel crust.
Step 6: Baking:
Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips for Pretzel Perfection:
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your yeast is fresh! Inactive yeast will result in a flat, disappointing pretzel.
- Water Temperature: The water needs to be lukewarm, not hot. Too hot water will kill the yeast.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on your pretzels to avoid burning. Start checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark.
Variations:
- Sweet Pretzel Bread: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the dough for a sweeter twist.
- Herb Pretzel Bread: Sprinkle dried herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking for an aromatic flavor.
- Cheese Pretzel Bread: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pretzels, but a typical serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 6-8g
This pretzel bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's also a great way to impress your friends and family with homemade cooking, showcasing delicious dishes made surprisingly easy. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and satisfying taste of these homemade pretzel breads!