Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (2024)

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These sourdough pretzels without yeast are soft, delicious and easy to make – a great way to use up an abundance of sourdough starter!

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (1)

Pretzels – who doesn’t love them? Even I will admit that they are hard to pass up – when I make them I feel like stuffing my face silly. The smell just intoxicates the house and the paralyzes everyone that walks into the front door.

Having a great pretzel recipe that you can make with your sourdough starter is a must. While you can make pretzels with yeast if you are in a pinch, there isn’t anything quite as satisfying as maintaining your starter (in this case, ours is named “Sid”..).

A starter needs love and attention on a regular basis. It’s almost like having another person to care for in the house (except a starter is unemployed & lives with his or her parents). 😉

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (2)

Really though ~ a sourdough starter can help you make popovers, beer bread, bagels & english muffins. The discard can be used to make sourdough crackers (which are delicious with homemade cheese).

Which almost leads me to ask – what can’t it be used for?

Sourdough Pretzels

These sourdough pretzels come together pretty quickly and require a much smaller prep window than the typical sourdough bread.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (3)

Add the warmed milk, butter, sugar, sourdough starter and flour in your KitchenAid. Use the dough hook and mix just until a soft ball of dough forms.

Turn out onto a lightly floured counter and knead for 2-3 minutes. Then form the dough into a smooth ball of dough and place into a lightly-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest/rise for 2 hours.

The dough should double in size.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (4)

Once the dough has risen, turn out onto a lightly floured counter. Punch the dough down and knead lightly for a brief minute or two.

Then separate the dough into 12 equal pieces.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (5)

Roll out each piece into a long strip 26-30″ in length. If you are slow to roll out the pieces, then cover the balls of dough with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (6)

Once the dough strips have been rolled out, shape them into a pretzel (YouTube is great for this!) and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. You will need to use 2-3 cookie sheets to fit all the pretzels nicely.

Once they are all shaped, place the cookie sheets in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. The goal is to allow the pretzels to harden just enough that they can be dunked in the water bath. Though you can bypass the freezer step, it’s quite a challenge to dunk them in the water bath without them coming “undone”.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (7)

With the pretzels in the freezer, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Fill a large gallon stockpot 3/4 of the way with water; bring to a strong simmer. Add 1 tbsp baking soda allow to dissolve.

Remove the pretzels from the freezer; add them to the water (4 at a time), and allow to simmer until they float to the top. Gently remove from their bath and place back on the cookie sheet.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (8)

Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings. Bake at 450 degrees F for 14-15 minutes until lightly brown. They will be hard when tapped (but will soften as they cool).

Remove and allow to cool before enjoying.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (9)

Enjoy your pretzels with melted cheese or marinara sauce, or simply as-is. Keep them in a large gallon Ziploc bag.

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (No Yeast)

These sourdough pretzels without yeast are soft, delicious and easy to make - a great way to use up an abundance of sourdough starter!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword pretzels

Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings 6

Author Sheryl

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 C. milk warmed to 110 degrees F
  • 1.5 C. sourdough starter* recently fed
  • 4 C. all-purpose flour

Water Bath

  • 1 Tbsp baking soda
  • 12 C. water

Egg Wash

  • 1 ea. egg beaten
  • 2 tsp sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Warm the milk (to 110 degrees F); add to mixer with butter, sugar, and sourdough starter.

  • Add the flour and mix well until the dough forms a soft ball.Turn out onto a lightly floured counter and knead for 2-3 minutes. Then form the dough into a smooth ball of dough and place into a lightly-oiled bowl.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest/rise for 2 hours.

  • Once the dough has risen, turn out onto a lightly floured counter. Punch the dough down and knead lightly for a brief minute or two.Then separate the dough into 12 equal pieces.

  • Roll out each piece into a long strip 26-30" in length. If you are slow to roll out the pieces, then cover the balls of dough with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

  • Once the dough strips have been rolled out, shape them into a pretzel and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. You will need to use 2-3 cookie sheets.

  • Place the cookie sheets in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. The goal is to allow the pretzels to harden just enough that they can be dunked in the water bath.

  • With the pretzels in the freezer, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Fill a large gallon stockpot 3/4 of the way with water; bring to a strong simmer. Add 1 tbsp baking soda allow to dissolve.

  • Remove the pretzels from the freezer; add them to the water (4 at a time), and allow to simmer until they float to the top. Gently remove from their bath and place back on the cookie sheet.

  • Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings. Bake at 450 degrees F for 14-15 minutes until lightly brown. They will be hard when tapped (but will soften as they cool).

  • Remove and allow to cool before enjoying.

Notes

  • Water can be substitue for milk in this recipe.
  • Store pretzels in a ziploc bag to keep them fresh. May need to reheat them the next day before enjoying.

Can I use Sourdough Discard?

I haven't tried using discard - but if you want to give it a try, I'd love to know how they turn out for you!

If you make these pretzels, please please rate the recipe a 5 and leave a comment – I’d love to know how they turned out!

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (11)

Sourdough Pretzels Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are sourdough pretzels a healthy snack? ›

Sourdough pretzels make healthy snacks because they can easily be paired with protein-rich foods like cheese, nut butters and yogurt to keep you fuller longer.

Are sourdough pretzels easy to digest? ›

Sourdough Pretzel FAQ:

Yes, most definitely. They are the perfect salty snack. Since the dough is fermented, the vitamins and minerals are more bio-available for your body to absorb, and there is less gluten making them easier to digest.

Why do you boil pretzel dough before baking? ›

Boiling the dough causes it to instantly puff, creating a chewy interior and giving the exterior a head start on forming a crisp crust. The baking soda also produces pretzels with a deep golden brown and cracked appearance. Don't skip it!

How to store sourdough pretzels? ›

If you don't have a bread box, you can opt for a paper bag or a storage container. Enjoy your pretzels within 3-4 days. Refrigerator: Once cooled, store pretzels in a resealable bag or container. If you're stacking them, put a piece of parchment paper between each pretzel.

What is the healthiest pretzel to eat? ›

1. Best: Fitjoy Pretzels. Fitjoy pretzels are an all-around great choice, as they have no added sugar, a mere 3g of fat, and even boast a gram of protein. Additionally, one serving of Fitjoy pretzels provides 2% of your daily potassium needs which can help maintain a regular heartbeat and prevent potassium deficiency.

Are pretzels better for you than potato chips? ›

This is because chips tend to be processed a lot more in oil compared to pretzels which makes it more calories dense, and have its distinct flavor. So if you are looking to lose weight and still want something to crunch on, pretzels are a better option compared to chips.

Is sourdough bread an inflammatory food? ›

The best bread to reduce gut inflammation is bread made from whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet.

Is sourdough good for your belly? ›

Sourdough bread may be easier to digest than white bread for some people. According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system.

How does sourdough effect the gut? ›

Sourdough directly improves our immune system

This means, that if we eat food that promotes beneficial bacteria, it can suppress the growth of bad bacteria by crowding it out. Secondly, the beneficial bacteria triggers cells in the gut lining to produce antimicrobial substances in the mucus layer of the intestine.

What is the secret ingredient which makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›

The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.

What country is famous for making pretzels? ›

Its origin is often attributed to Germany, specifically to the region of Bavaria, although its precise beginnings are somewhat debated. The pretzel was invented by European monks in the early Middle Ages, possibly in the 6th or 7th century.

Why do you put baking soda in water when making pretzels? ›

Like lye, baking soda is an alkaline substance, and when mixed with water and brushed over the pretzel dough, it changes the pH of the dough and gelates the surface starch. In the oven, the starch gel hardens and the alkaline baking soda makes browning happen fast.

Why should sourdough not be refrigerated? ›

To maximize the shelf life, keep in original packaging or linen based bread bag and store at room temperature. How long does sourdough bread last in the fridge? Sourdough bread should ideally not be refrigerated, as the bread will dry out and become stale faster than at room temperature.

Can I freeze sourdough pretzel dough? ›

Yes! Freeze dough in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw dough overnight in the refrigerator before using. Just like cold refrigerated dough above, you will want to let the bites puff some more before adding to the baking soda bath.

Can pretzel dough sit overnight? ›

While an option for making quick pretzels is given, too, I highly recommend the overnight method because the dough's flavor really develops during the slow fermentation, becoming nuanced with a yeasty tang that is worth every moment of anticipation.

Is sourdough a healthy snack? ›

It may help improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging. Whether you buy it from a local bakery or make some yourself, including sourdough bread in your diet will allow you to reap its flavorful benefits.

Are pretzels a healthy snack for weight loss? ›

Pretzels may be better than some fatty chips, but four out of five nutrition experts surveyed by Time say if you're trying to eat healthy, pretzels shouldn't be your go-to snack. Although pretzels are low-fat, they are also pretty paltry on the protein and fiber front, and they can be quite high in sodium and carbs.

How many calories in a sourdough pretzel? ›

Dietary Needs
Nutrition Facts
16 Servings Per Container
Serving size1 oz. (28g/About1Pretzel)
Amount per serving
Calories110
18 more rows

What is a healthy snack like pretzels? ›

10 Healthy Alternatives to Pretzels
  • Air-popped popcorn. This snack retains the crunchiness of pretzels and can be seasoned with spices for flavor. ...
  • Roasted chickpeas. They offer a satisfying crunch and can be flavored in various ways. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Carrot sticks. ...
  • Baked kale chips. ...
  • Apple slices. ...
  • Whole grain rice cakes. ...
  • Edamame.

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