German Soft Pretzel Sticks are deliciously chewy and golden-brown, perfect for snacking or serving at parties. Their delightful texture and rich flavor make them a favorite among many. Imagine serving these soft pretzel sticks warm, with their crisp crust and soft interior, making every bite a treat. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these pretzel sticks will surely elevate any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This German Soft Pretzel Sticks
This soft pretzel sticks recipe is not just easy to follow; it offers delicious results that everyone will love. Here are a few reasons to adore them:
- Perfectly chewy texture that satisfies your cravings.
- Versatile for various toppings and dips, making them great for parties.
- Authentic flavor reminiscent of Bavarian street vendors.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Great for meal prep and can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Fun to make, especially with family or friends.
Plus, they fit into the vegetarian diet, making them suitable for various guests!
Ingredients for German Soft Pretzel Sticks
Gather these items:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
- 5 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 5 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for kneading)
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup hot water (to maintain temperature during batches)
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering parchment)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make German Soft Pretzel Sticks Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine light brown sugar and warm water in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add oil and 3 cups flour to the yeast mixture, stir, then gradually incorporate remaining 2 3/4 cups flour. Knead on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. Add up to 1/4 cup more flour if needed.
- Step 3: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Punch down dough on a floured surface, knead lightly, then flatten. Divide into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a stick approximately 7-8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Arrange on baking sheets 2 inches apart and let rest uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Step 6: Bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large deep skillet. Reduce to medium heat to maintain a simmer. Keep 1 cup hot water ready to add between batches to maintain temperature.
- Step 7: Boil 6 sticks at a time for 30 seconds, turning once after 15 seconds. Remove and drain on paper towels. Add hot water between batches to maintain temperature. Repeat until all are boiled.
- Step 8: Place boiled sticks back on baking sheets, brush tops evenly with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Step 9: Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until deep golden brown with a crisp crust.
- Step 10: Present warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best German Soft Pretzel Sticks
Keep these in mind:
- Be sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and slightly sticky for the best texture.
- Boiling the sticks before baking is essential to achieve that chewy pretzel texture.
- Experiment with different toppings like garlic salt or sesame seeds for added flavor.
Best Ways to Serve German Soft Pretzel Sticks
These pretzel sticks are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- Soft pretzel sticks with cheese dip for a delicious combination.
- Mustard or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Traditional German snack pretzel sticks paired with beer for a classic experience.
How to Store and Reheat German Soft Pretzel Sticks
To store your pretzel sticks, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm. This method helps maintain their chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Soft Pretzel Sticks
What is a German pretzel stick?
A German pretzel stick is a long, chewy, and golden-brown snack that is a variation of traditional pretzels. They are often served with various dipping sauces, making them a delightful snack or appetizer.
Can I make German Soft Pretzel Sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the pretzel sticks ahead of time. Just refrigerate them and boil before baking when you’re ready to serve.
Why are German pretzels so soft?
German pretzels are soft due to the boiling step in the preparation process. Boiling in a baking soda solution creates a unique texture that contributes to their softness and chewy consistency.
Variations of German Soft Pretzel Sticks You Can Try
For those looking to mix things up, here are some variations:
- Try adding cheese to the dough for Bavarian soft pretzel sticks.
- Create German-style pretzel rods by rolling the dough thinner.
- Incorporate spices like garlic powder or cayenne for a flavorful twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes.
For more information on the history of pretzels, you can visit The Spruce Eats.
Print
Delicious German Soft Pretzel Sticks You Must Try
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
German Soft Pretzel Sticks are deliciously chewy and golden-brown, perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups warm water (approximately 110°F)
- 5 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 5 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for kneading)
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup hot water (to maintain temperature during batches)
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for buttering parchment)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine light brown sugar and warm water in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add oil and 3 cups flour to the yeast mixture, stir, then gradually incorporate remaining 2 3/4 cups flour. Knead on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. Add up to 1/4 cup more flour if needed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper to prevent sticking.
- Punch down dough on a floured surface, knead lightly, then flatten. Divide into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a stick approximately 7-8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Arrange on baking sheets 2 inches apart and let rest uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large deep skillet. Reduce to medium heat to maintain a simmer. Keep 1 cup hot water ready to add between batches to maintain temperature.
- Boil 6 sticks at a time for 30 seconds, turning once after 15 seconds. Remove and drain on paper towels. Add hot water between batches to maintain temperature. Repeat until all are boiled.
- Place boiled sticks back on baking sheets, brush tops evenly with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until deep golden brown with a crisp crust.
- Present warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel stick
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg