Pretzels are twists of bread dough baked until crisp. Traditional German pretzels are sprinkled with salt but you can also use sesame seeds, poppy seeds or a few chilli flakes for a spicy snack. Bread dough is easy to make but flours do vary and some absorb more water than others, so if the dough feels dry add a little more water. Kneading the dough until smooth and stretchy makes it easier to shape the dough finished dough into pretzels. Once baked pretzels will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you're watching your weight pretzels are a healthier alternative to crisps.
Ingredients
- 300g strong white bread flour
- 1tsp fast action dried yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 200ml lukewarm water
- 1 egg beaten with 1tbsp water, to glaze
- Coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds or chilli flakes for sprinkling
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Mix together the flour, dried yeast and salt in a bowl. Add the water (make sure it is only just warm, if it’s too hot it will kill the yeast and the dough won’t rise) and using your hand, mix to form a dough. If the dough feels too dry add a little more water.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 mins until smooth and stretchy. To knead, push the heel of your hand into the dough and stretch it away from you. Roll the dough back towards you, give it a quarter turn and repeat. Put the dough into a clean bowl, cover loosely with clingfilm and leave in a warm place for 11/2-hours until doubled in size.
- Line two baking sheets with baking paper and pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead briefly. Divide into 30 even-sized pieces and roll each one into a 20cm long sausage. To shape, bring the two ends together and cross one on top of the other, securing with a dab of beaten egg. Place on the baking trays and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with salt, seeds or chilli flakes and bake for 10 mins until golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Top Tip for making Pretzel
Instead of making your own dough use a packet bread miz adding the quantity of water stated on the packet instructions.
-
Halloween fairy cakes
These Halloween fairy cakes are classic little sponges decorated with spiders, ghosts and scary faces, perfect for fright night celebrations.
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Joe Wicks breakfast muffins
By Joe Wicks • Published
-
Black Forest gateau
Our Black Forest gateau has a rich, luxurious chocolate sponge sandwiched with freshly whipped cream and topped with sweet cherries...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Munchies skillet cookie
A gooey, delicious cookie baked in a skillet. A great dessert for sharing with loved ones...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Mozzarella and tomato ‘bruschetta’ salad
A filling salad that doesn't shy away from flavour. Perfect as a hearty lunch or light dinner...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Coq au vin pie
A warming pie packed with tender chunks of chicken, succulent bacon and a rich red wine gravy...
By Rose Fooks • Published
-
When is the Great British Bake Off Christmas special on?
All you need to know about Channel 4's Great Christmas Bake Off special and when it will air...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
King Charles’ security to be stepped up ahead of Christmas appearance after two 'egg attacks'
Royal security bosses are in talks to tighten security for the King ahead of Christmas at Sandringham.
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
The Greggs 2022 Christmas menu is here with pigs in blankets and festive bakes
The Gregg's 2022 Christmas menu is here and it features some classic festive favorites
By Naomi Jamieson • Published