Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp melted butter, divided
• 10 cups water and 2/3 cup baking soda, for the bath
• 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
• coarse pretzel salt

Steps

1. Stir the warm water and sugar, sprinkle in the yeast, and let it foam, 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour, salt and 2 tbsp butter and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Heat the oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a wide pot.
4. Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll each into a 24-inch rope, and twist into a pretzel shape.
5. Boil each pretzel 30 seconds, lift out with a slotted spatula, and set on the sheets. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake 12 to 14 minutes until deep golden brown. Brush with the remaining butter and serve warm with mustard or queso.

TipAdd the baking soda to the water slowly; it foams up.