Tired of the same old boring snacks? Craving something with a kick? Then look no further! This recipe for spicy pretzels delivers a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite. These homemade pretzels are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight snack, a game day gathering, or even a unique party appetizer. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this incredibly addictive and flavorful treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate 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 alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in perfectly risen pretzels.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead 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.
Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Coating
In a separate bowl, combine cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This fiery blend will give your pretzels that irresistible spicy kick.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12 inches). Shape into pretzels by forming a U-shape and crossing the ends. Place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Apply the Spicy Coating
Brush the pretzels with melted butter and then generously sprinkle with the spicy seasoning mixture and coarse sea salt.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Pretzels:
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder pretzel, use less cayenne pepper or substitute it with chili powder.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the pretzels enough space to bake evenly.
- Use fresh yeast: Using fresh yeast will ensure the best rise.
- Let them cool: Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of brown sugar to the spice mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Cheesy Spicy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pretzels before baking.
- Everything Bagel Spicy: Combine the spice mixture with everything bagel seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per pretzel, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories Fat: Approximately 8-10g Protein: Approximately 3-4g Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These spicy pretzels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying those salty and spicy cravings. Enjoy the delicious homemade goodness! They’re so easy to make, you might find yourself making a batch every week!