Everything Bagel Pretzels Recipe

Warm water: Used to activate the yeast and form the dough.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

All-purpose flour: The main structure of the pretzel dough.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pretzels.

Baking soda: Used in the boiling water to give the pretzels their chewy texture.

Egg: Provides a golden, shiny finish when brushed on the pretzels.

Everything bagel seasoning: A blend of seeds and spices that gives the pretzels their signature flavor.

When shaping the dough into pretzels, ensure that each rope is of even thickness to promote uniform baking. Additionally, when boiling the pretzels in the baking soda solution, make sure not to overcrowd the pot; this allows each pretzel to cook evenly and develop that classic chewy texture.

• 1 ½ cups warm water - Substitute with 1 ½ cups warm milk: Warm milk can help create a softer dough and adds a slight richness to the flavor.

• 1 packet about 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast - Substitute with 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water first.

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - Substitute with 1 tablespoon honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and can help with browning.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour - Substitute with 4 cups bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the pretzels a chewier texture.

• 1 teaspoon salt - Substitute with 1 teaspoon sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

• ¼ cup baking soda - Substitute with ¼ cup food-grade lye: Food-grade lye is traditionally used in pretzel making and can give a more authentic pretzel crust, but it must be handled with care.

• 1 large beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash egg - Substitute with 1 tablespoon melted butter: Melted butter can give a rich flavor and help with browning, though it won't provide the same shine as an egg wash.

• ½ cup everything bagel seasoning - Substitute with ½ cup sesame seeds and poppy seeds mixture: A mixture of sesame seeds and poppy seeds can mimic the texture and some of the flavor of everything bagel seasoning.

• Allow the pretzels to cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures they don't become soggy when stored.
• For short-term storage, place the pretzels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To keep them fresh for a longer period, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help restore their crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the pretzels for about 20-30 seconds, though this may result in a slightly softer texture.
• If you prefer, you can also freeze the pretzels before baking. After shaping them into pretzels, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
• When ready to bake, boil the frozen pretzels as directed, then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spritz them with water to help retain moisture. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method: Place the pretzels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.

• Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the pretzels in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t overcook.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the pretzels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar, and later to mix the dough ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the warm water and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

• Whisk: Helps to mix the yeast, water, and sugar until foamy.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the flour and salt into the yeast mixture to form a dough.

• Floured surface: A clean, flat area dusted with flour where you can knead the dough.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise after kneading.

• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.

• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to bake the pretzels.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the pretzels from sticking to the baking sheet.

• Large pot: Used to boil the water and baking soda mixture.

• Slotted spoon: Helps to remove the pretzels from the boiling water.

• Pastry brush: Used to apply the egg wash to the pretzels.

• Oven: Preheated to 450°F (230°C) for baking the pretzels.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pretzels to cool evenly after baking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: Mix the dough with a stand mixer to save time and effort.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough rises to save time later.

Boil water in advance: Get the water boiling while shaping the pretzels to avoid waiting.

Shape pretzels quickly: Practice shaping pretzels to speed up the process.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.