{"id":"brezel_feccfe4006","slug":"traditional-german-soft-pretzels-brezel","title":"Traditional German Soft Pretzels (Brezel)","description":"Authentic Bavarian-style soft pretzels with a dark, chewy crust, a soft, fluffy interior, and a characteristic sprinkle of coarse sea salt.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":30,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":105,"activeMinutes":45},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g All-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"4","usUnit":"cup","form":"all-purpose","notes":"Bread flour can be used for more chew","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"300ml Warm water","name":"Warm Water","quantity":300,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1 1/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"warm","notes":"Approximately 110°F (43°C)","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"7g Active dry yeast","name":"Active dry yeast","quantity":7,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2.25,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"active dry","notes":"One standard packet","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 tsp Sugar","name":"Sugar","quantity":4,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"granulated","notes":"To feed the yeast","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"10g Salt","name":"Salt","quantity":10,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.5,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"For the dough","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"30g Unsalted butter, softened","name":"Butter","quantity":30,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.05,"usUnit":"oz","form":"softened","notes":"Unsalted","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"50g Baking soda","name":"Baking Soda","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"For the boiling water bath","group":"Bath","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1 liter Water","name":"Water","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":1.05,"usUnit":"qt","form":"liquid","notes":"For the bath","group":"Bath","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"Coarse sea salt","name":"Sea Salt","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"coarse sea salt","notes":"For topping; to taste","group":"Topping","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast (7g) and sugar (1 tsp) in warm water (300ml). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.","group":"Preparation","title":"In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour (500g) and fine salt (10g). Add the softened butter (30g) and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.","group":"Preparation","title":"Combine the flour and fine salt","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.","group":"Proofing","title":"Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise","timerMinutes":60,"sourceTitle":"Proofing"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Degas the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20 inches (50cm) long, tapering the ends. Form into a pretzel shape by making a U-shape, crossing the ends twice, and folding them back onto the bottom of the U.","group":"Shaping","title":"Degas the dough and divide it","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Shaping"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda (50g). Submerge each pretzel in the boiling soda bath for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.","group":"The Bath","title":"Preheat your oven","timerMinutes":1,"sourceTitle":"The Bath"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Using a sharp knife, score the thickest part of the pretzel horizontally. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt (5g).","group":"Baking","title":"Using a sharp knife, score the thickest part of the pretzel horizontally","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Baking"},{"id":"instruction-7","text":"Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.","group":"Baking","title":"Bake for 12-15 minutes or","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Baking"}],"notes":"For a more authentic dark crust, professional bakers use a food-grade lye solution, but a baking soda bath is a safer and effective home alternative. Ensure the water for the yeast is warm (around 110°F/43°C) but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.","cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["German"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"cookingMethod":["bake","boil"],"equipment":["Stand mixer or large bowl","Large pot","Slotted spoon","Baking sheet","Parchment paper","Sharp knife or lame"],"diet":["vegetarian"],"allergens":["wheat","gluten","milk"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":8,"unit":"pretzels","note":"Standard sized individual pretzels"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The dough can be prepared and kept in the fridge overnight for a slow first rise. Shape and boil just before baking."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Pretzels are best eaten the day they are made. Store in a paper bag at room temperature.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fbrezel_feccfe4006%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=b0e87a7a-cf45-466f-8b41-563d63fa5c17","imageAlt":"Traditional German Soft Pretzels (Brezel) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["brezel","pretzel","german","baking","yeast bread","oktoberfest","snack"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Traditional German Soft Pretzels (Brezel)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T04:01:14.790Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T04:01:14.790Z","related":[{"id":"broodje_haring_91c744a5f1","slug":"broodje-haring-dutch-herring-sandwich","title":"Broodje Haring (Dutch Herring Sandwich)","description":"A quintessential Dutch street food staple. Fresh, salt-cured 'Hollandse Nieuwe' herring fillets served in a soft white bun with crunchy diced onions and tangy pickles.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["Dutch"]},"course":["main","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["pescatarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fbroodje_haring_91c744a5f1%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e6c0c431-ce68-4e25-b81b-d2aa6a339d06","imageAlt":"Broodje Haring (Dutch Herring Sandwich) — recipe cover","tags":["herring","sandwich","street food","dutch","seafood","quick"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":4},{"id":"scone_18b5c7aa9a","slug":"classic-british-scones","title":"Classic British Scones","description":"A traditional Western European snack that is light, fluffy, and slightly crumbly. Perfect when served warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["British"]},"course":["dessert","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fscone_18b5c7aa9a%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=8ddec4c9-9225-4044-918e-d6d4a8281a5b","imageAlt":"Classic British Scones — recipe cover","tags":["scones","tea-time","british","baking","quick","snack"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":9,"stepCount":9},{"id":"pintxos_793e6bf7db","slug":"classic-spanish-pintxos","title":"Classic Spanish Pintxos","description":"A vibrant selection of traditional Basque-style appetizers featuring the iconic Gilda (olive, pepper, and anchovy) and savory glazed chorizo on crusty bread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["Spanish","Basque"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["high_protein","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpintxos_793e6bf7db%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d49dd068-3f04-4e63-9c83-a986f589f036","imageAlt":"Classic Spanish Pintxos — recipe cover","tags":["pintxos","tapas","spanish","basque","appetizer","snack","chorizo","anchovy"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":4}]}