Authentic German🇩🇪 Pretzel (Laugenbrezel) – Professional Recipe 🥨
Dish Description
The German pretzel (Laugenbrezel) is a classic baked good known for its golden-brown, glossy crust and soft, chewy interior. This iconic snack, deeply rooted in German culinary tradition—especially in Bavaria—is prepared with a simple dough, briefly boiled in an alkaline solution, and then baked to perfection. Enjoy it with butter, cheese, or as an accompaniment to a refreshing beer.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Large Pretzels)
For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
For the Alkaline Solution (Gives the Signature Crust):
- 1 liter (4 cups) water
- 3 tbsp baking soda
For Topping:
- Coarse salt (pretzel salt or sea salt)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes by hand (or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each piece into a 50cm (20-inch) rope on a lightly floured surface.
- To shape the pretzel:
- Form a "U" shape, twist the ends together twice, and fold them down to meet the base. Press gently to secure.
- Place the shaped pretzels on parchment paper and let them rest for 15 minutes.
3. Boil in the Alkaline Solution:
- Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Stir in the baking soda (it will bubble slightly—this is normal).
- Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Place them back onto the parchment-lined baking tray.
4. Bake the Pretzels:
- Sprinkle the boiled pretzels with coarse salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips:
✅ For an extra glossy crust, brush the pretzels with egg yolk mixed with a little water before baking.
✅ For extra flavor, try topping with shredded cheese or sesame seeds before baking.
✅ Best when fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container and reheat them for a crisp texture.
🥨 Now you have authentic, homemade German pretzels! Enjoy them with butter, cheese, or as a snack with a cold beer. Prost! 🍻
