A recipe for homemade Pretzel Bread! These soft and chewy yeast-based loaves are briefly boiled in a baking soda solution, then baked until deeply golden.
This Pretzel Bread is a great way to get that iconic soft pretzel taste without twisting and boiling multiple pretzels or rolls!
The yeast-based dough comes together relatively easily with just a handful of ingredients. After resting at room temperature until doubled (this may take 1-2 hours), the bread is divided into two equal pieces. Each half is formed into an oval and allowed to rest again for 30 more minutes before cooking.
After the final rest, boil each oval in the simmering baking soda water for 30 seconds, then place back on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with an egg wash to add even more color, sprinkle with coarse salt, and slice three to four slits across the top. Bake in a 450˚F (230˚C) oven until deeply golden and cooked through.
I love thickly slicing the Pretzel Bread and using it as the base for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese. Serving simply coated in a layer of butter, Kräuterbutter (German Herb Butter), or Nutella (a favorite with the kids) is also delicious.
A Few Tips
When boiling the loaves, make sure to flip them so all sides are coated in the baking soda solution. Gently use a large slotted spoon to transfer them back to the baking sheet.
The texture of this bread is best the day it is baked, but remaining slices will last in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
If you are only going to use one loaf, place the other in a large freezer bag once it is room temperature and freeze for up to a month. Warm the bread straight from the freezer in a 350˚F (180˚C) oven until heated through.
Looking for more Pretzel recipes?
Try my:
Pretzel Bread Recipe
Adapted from Seeded at the Table
Pretzel Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) lukewarm water 105-115˚F (40-46˚C), divided
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (9 grams) salt
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
For Boiling:
- 8 cups (2 liters) water
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) baking soda
Topping:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over 1 cup (237 milliliters) of the warm water. Stir to combine and let sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly mix in the yeast with water and butter. If needed, slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water to create a soft dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with plastic or a towel, and allow to rise until doubled, 1-2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease.
- Once doubled, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Form each half into a smooth large oval, tucking the seams under, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Place the 8 cups (2 liters) water and baking soda in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Gently place one loaf in boiling water for 30 seconds, turning halfway to coat both sides. Remove with a large slotted spoon to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with other loaf.
- In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and water.
- Brush each boiled loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Cut 3-4 parallel shallow slashes across the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake in preheated oven until deep brown and hollow sounding in center, about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- This Pretzel Bread is best served the day of baking.
lk529
🙂 yum
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
that looks delicious, I love baking and eating different breads – bread is such a staple, but there is so much variation from region to region.
mindy
I love all things pretzel!! This sounds great!
Platter Talk
Great recipe! Just what I’m in the mood for!
Lisa
This looks amazing! Pretzel bread is a favorite of mine for its sturdy texture and wonderful flavor!
Tara
Thanks everyone!
Seyoung
If I were to use instant dry yeast, how much of it should I use? Also, is the dough supposed to be rested in room temperature or somewhere warmer?
Tara
Hi Seyoung! For instant yeast, about 2 teaspoons will be fine. I usually do room temperature as long as your kitchen isn’t too cold. The colder it is, the longer the bread will take to rise. Let it rest until doubled in size.
S
Hi , since I do not eat eggs can I skip egg wash ? Will it make difference to pertzel bread ?
Tara
Hi! It just won’t brown as well and have the shine. There are vegan alternative egg washes and some brush a neutral oil after baking, but I haven’t personally tried it.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Oh my god that looks amazing! I need this in my life!
Jamie
I love this to snack on or have as an appetizer! The texture is amazing too and is a favorite around here!
Biana
This pretzel bread looks amazing! Perfect for sandwiches, too.
Katia
I have been going bonkers over here with baking different kinds of breads and this one looks so tempting that I need to try it. Yum!
Denay DeGuzman
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe.
Shawna
This was my first attempt at making pretzel bread. It came out so well. The kids loved it too.
Tara
So glad Shawna! Thank you for sharing!
Shelby
Can you make the dough the day before and refrigerate?
Tara
Hi Shelby! I haven’t personally tried it, but you *should* be able to. After forming the dough and kneading until smooth and elastic, cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for up to 12 hours before shaping and continuing with remaining steps.
Jerilea
This bread is fantastic. My whole family really enjoyed it. It’s very easy to make as well. Thanks.
Tara
Thank you so much Jerilea! So happy to hear!
Cate
Is there anyway you can mix this without a stand-mixer or no? Thanks in advance!
Tara
Hi Cate! Yes, you can make it in a large bowl by hand.
Kalah
Think you could make just one big loaf? Instead of the 2?
Tara
Hi Kalah! You may be able to, but the cooking time would have to be adjusted. My largest pot is also only able to hold the size of the dough with the loaves split into two.