Description
This homemade Pretzel Bread has a soft, tender crumb and satisfying chewy texture, made with a simple yeast dough enriched with melted butter. It is easy to slice and serve with soups, salads, sandwiches, or butter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) lukewarm water 105-115˚F (40-46˚C), divided
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (9 grams) salt
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Start with the yeast mixture: Begin by working with the portion of lukewarm water called for in the recipe and the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. The water should be within the recommended 105–115°F (40–46°C) range. Give the yeast time to hydrate and activate according to the recipe’s preparation process.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500 grams of all-purpose flour, 12 grams of granulated sugar, and 9 grams of salt. Mix the dry ingredients so the sugar and salt are distributed throughout the flour.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add the prepared yeast mixture along with the remaining portion of the lukewarm water. Then add the 60 grams of melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter. Begin bringing everything together until the flour is moistened and a dough starts to form.
- Knead until smooth: Transfer the dough to a clean work surface if necessary and knead it until it becomes smoother and more elastic. The dough should become cohesive and noticeably smoother as you work it.
- Allow the dough to rise: Once the dough has been kneaded, place it in a suitable bowl and allow it to rise according to the recipe’s fermentation process. The dough should become visibly more expanded as the yeast works.
- Shape the loaf: After the dough has completed its rise, gently shape it into a loaf. Try to create an even shape so the bread bakes consistently from end to end. Place the shaped dough into the appropriate baking pan and prepare it for baking according to the recipe.
- Bake until properly developed: Bake the shaped pretzel bread following the recipe’s baking instructions. The loaf should develop a baked exterior while the interior becomes firm enough to slice once cooled. Once baked, allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Keep the water between 105–115°F (40–46°C) when preparing the yeast mixture.
- Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the dough.
- Let the finished loaf cool before slicing so the crumb has time to set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf
- Calories: 220 calories
Keywords: pretzel bread, homemade pretzel bread, soft pretzel bread, easy pretzel bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, pretzel loaf