If you want to start experimenting with homemade sourdough, here’s where you start! Here are 10 incredible sourdough pretzels that are definitely worth the effort!
Pretzels are one of the best snacks in the world. They’re crunchy, salty, and filled with… carbs. But they’re also pretty easy to make at home! If you’ve never tried making your own little snacks at home, this article will surely get you to the kitchen really soon, baking some amazingly delicious sourdough pretzels!
Pretzels are a baked snack food that originated in Germany and Austria, where they were originally called “brezels”. These days, you can find them all over the world — but their popularity is still based on their European roots. The word pretzel is derived from the Latin word (pretiola) for “little reward” – in other words, eating one will be your own little reward! 🙂 But let me tell you a couple of stories about the origin of their name.
It is said that pretzels were created by a monk “around 601”. There are two main theories here: the first one states that the monk offered pretzels as a reward to children who successfully learned their prayers; the second one states that he created them inspired by the shape of hands in prayer and the name actually comes from the word “preces” (prayers). Regardless of what the truth is, one thing’s for sure: pretzels are both delicious and fun!
Separately from this monk story, pretzels have been around since many centuries ago, when bakers in Central Europe first discovered that mixing flour with water and baking soda produced a bread that could be shaped into a twisty shape — one that would hold up to being dipped in lye or other liquids for baking. Over time, pretzels became popular across Europe and spread throughout the U.S., where they continue to be enjoyed today as an iconic snack food.
Traditionally, pretzels are made from flour, water, and yeast. The dough is kneaded and shaped into a long rope, then twisted into a pretzel shape. It’s baked in an oven until golden brown, after which it can be brushed with butter or salt for flavor.
By the way, If you want to see how to make vegan pretzels (without sourdough, but following the traditional method), here’s my recipe: Vegan Pretzel.
As for eating these delicious treats, there are so many ways to consume pretzels, but here are some of my favorites:
- Eat them plain. This is a great way to start your day if you’re a fan of simple, savory breakfasts! Plus, they also make for excellent snacks on the go.
- Dip them in butter and eat them with cheese! This is another classic pairing that can’t be beaten; the butter and cheese complement each other perfectly!
- Have mustard! Mustard seems like an odd addition here, but trust me — it makes all the difference in the world! I personally recommend going with something spicy like horseradish or wasabi because these flavors really offset the blandness of the pretzel itself. Plus, this is such a German thing to do and pretzels are, after all, very German as well!
Did you know you can make pretzels with sourdough as well?
If you’ve been only making regular pretzels, you’re missing out. So why make sourdough pretzels for a change?
Sourdough pretzels are better than regular pretzels – at least in my opinion, but I know I’m not the only one! The sourdough starter gives them a nice tang and chewiness that makes them so much more satisfying to eat (and better for your digestion). If you want creamier, softer pretzel centers, just add milk or yogurt to the dough before baking (this will also make the dough easier to work with during shaping).
Sourdough pretzels are delicious to snack on, and they’re also pretty easy to make. The only thing you need is some sourdough starter and a little time. The resulting pretzels have a unique taste and texture that sets them apart from their yeast-raised counterparts. You just need to try it yourself and see! 🙂
Making pretzels at home is not as difficult as you might think, and they’re way more delicious than anything you can buy in the store. In case you want to give it a try, here are 10 delicious sourdough pretzel recipes that are definitely worth the effort!
Happy cooking! 🙂
10 Sourdough Pretzels That Are Definitely Worth the Effort
If you want to start experimenting with homemade sourdough, here’s where you start! Here are 10 incredible sourdough pretzels that are definitely worth the effort!
Ah, just look at the picture and tell me these soft sourdough pretzels aren't absolutely amazing! They can be made with sourdough discard, they're easy to make and the taste is literally to die for!
Recipe created by Eat the Love.
Just look at these golden sourdough pretzels! They're easy to make and super fun to eat and the coarse salt on top definitely adds a lot to their flavor.
Recipe created by Homegrown Happiness.
If you want to make some yummy sourdough pretzels and use them for sandwiches, I recommend making these pretzel knots instead. Perfect with cream cheese!
Recipe created by Browned Butter Blondie.
Here's a plain, classic recipe for sourdough pretzels that will help you achieve a perfect dough and results each and every time. You can then serve your pretzels with your choice of filling or topping!
Recipe created by I Am Baker.
These egg and dairy-free pretzel buns are an excellent idea if you want to make some delicious pretzel sandwiches to eat as a snack or share with your friends. These are extremely fluffy and delicious!
Recipe created by The Herbeevore.
These sourdough soft pretzels are one of my favorite recipes on this list. They're chewy and tender and the recipe is very simple and straightforward!
Recipe created by Foodie with Family.
These yummy soft sourdough pretzels can be topped with salt, parmesan cheese, or cinnamon sugar for a change. They're literally the perfect base for your sweet or savory snack!
Recipe created by Farmhouse on Boone.
If you want to make sourdough pretzels but the entire process of shaping and knotting the dough intimidates you, here's an excellent solution: pretzel bites! Same unique flavor but much easier to make!
Recipe created by Lynn's Way of Life.
These fluffy, chewy sourdough pretzels are absolutely perfect to eat plain or to transform into a cream cheese sandwich. And the recipe perfectly explains the entire process of shaping the dough!
Recipe created by Pantry Mama.
I just love oven-baked pretzels - and these sourdough pretzels are best served warm, right out of the oven. I'm sure you won't be able to stop after eating one!
Recipe created by Crave the Good.
