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Warm Homemade Soft Pretzels (Philly Style)

30 min
530 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 3, 2026

Warm Homemade Soft Pretzels (Philly Style)🇺🇸AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Warm Homemade Soft Pretzels (Philly Style). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Compare these dishes: CrumpetsSame technique: Flatbread & pastry44 recipes from 13 countriesSee all 4 matches

These iconic Philly-style soft pretzels boast a wonderfully chewy interior and a beautiful, glistening dark brown crust, achieved by a quick dip in a baking soda bath. Served warm and often with a sprinkle of coarse salt, they're a comforting and satisfying snack.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Warm Homemade Soft Pretzels from another cuisine is Crumpets (United Kingdom): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a large bowl, dissolve 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in 360 ml (1 ½ cups) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

  • 2

    Add 500 g all-purpose flour and 10 g salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • 3

    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn once to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  • 4

    Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 2400 ml (10 cups) of water and 100 g baking soda to a rolling boil.

  • 5

    Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then form into a classic pretzel shape.

  • 6

    Carefully drop pretzels one at a time into the boiling baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, turning once. This step helps create the classic pretzel crust and color.

  • 7

    Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drip off, and place on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle immediately with coarse salt.

  • 8

    Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter immediately after removing from the oven, if desired. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Philly Soft Pretzel?

A Philly Soft Pretzel is a dough-based bread product from Philadelphia, United States, prepared with flour, yeast, butter, sugar, and baking soda. It is typically consumed as a snack or casual street food, often seasoned with coarse salt.

What type of flour is recommended for achieving the authentic chewy texture of homemade Philly-style soft pretzels?

All-purpose flour works well for a tender pretzel, but for a chewier, more authentic bakery texture, consider using bread flour due to its higher protein content.

What is the correct temperature and duration for the baking soda bath to ensure the pretzels develop their characteristic color and crust?

Briefly immerse each pretzel in the boiling baking soda solution for just 20-30 seconds, turning once; this crucial step contributes to the classic dark crust and distinct flavor.

What is the ideal oven temperature and baking time to achieve perfectly golden brown and tender soft pretzels?

Bake your pretzels at a high temperature of 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown with a firm, slightly crisp exterior.

How can I ensure the coarse pretzel salt adheres properly to the pretzels after the baking soda bath and before baking?

Immediately after removing the pretzels from the hot baking soda solution, sprinkle them generously with coarse salt while the surface is still wet and tacky, ensuring good adhesion.

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