MSG Free Soft Pretzels with Salt

Total time1 hr 45 min

Prep time30 min

Cook time15 min

4.9

(12)

Few things beat a warm, freshly baked pretzel straight from your own oven — that deep mahogany crust, the chewy interior, and that satisfying hit of coarse salt on top. The ingredient list here is refreshingly straightforward: flour, yeast, butter, egg, and salt, with nothing hidden or processed that might sneak in unwanted additives. That simplicity is exactly what makes this recipe such a reliable choice when you're being careful about what goes into your food. The real magic happens in the baking soda bath, which gives each pretzel its signature glossy, slightly alkaline crust without any shortcuts or flavor enhancers. Rolling and shaping the dough into classic pretzel twists is genuinely satisfying, and the whole process feels more like a fun kitchen project than a chore. These are best served warm, maybe alongside a simple mustard, and they disappear fast — so consider doubling the batch.

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Ingredients

8 servings

For the dough

1 ½ cups warm water (110°f / 43°c)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp fine salt
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the baking soda bath

10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda

For finishing

1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt

Instructions

1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
2
Add the fine salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until the flour is incorporated, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl, and springs back when poked.

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