No-Knead Soft Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy delicious, soft pretzels made easy with this no-knead recipe. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat, these pretzels are chewy, flavorful, and require minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until the dough is bubbly and doubled in size.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a rough rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel form by making a U shape, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
3. Step 3: Place the shaped pretzels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a classic pretzel flavor, briefly dip shaped pretzels in a baking soda and water solution before baking.
• Try adding cinnamon sugar or garlic butter as toppings for different tastes.
• If you prefer a chewier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Pretzels can also be frozen wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I have to knead the dough?

No, this recipe is designed to be no-knead. The long resting period allows the gluten to develop naturally for soft, chewy pretzels.

Can I make pretzels without yeast?

Yeast is essential for this recipe to achieve the traditional pretzel texture and flavor. For a quick alternative, consider baking powder-based soft pretzels, though the texture will differ.

No-Knead Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 244 reviews

This No-Knead Soft Pretzels recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy warm, chewy pretzels with minimal effort. By combining basic ingredients and allowing the dough to rest without kneading, you achieve soft, golden pretzels perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dips.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be sticky but hold together.
2. Let the Dough Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop flavor without requiring kneading.
3. Shape the Pretzels: After the dough has rested, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into traditional pretzel shapes.
4. Bake the Pretzels: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Notes

• For a shiny crust, brush pretzels with a baking soda solution before baking.
• Serve warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
• The slow fermentation enhances the flavor and texture without needing kneading.
• Use bread flour for a chewier texture if preferred.

Keywords: no knead pretzels, soft pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, homemade pretzels, baking pretzels