Soft Pretzel Recipe

Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style is my go to move when I want fresh bread that feels a little special, but I do not want to babysit a fussy recipe all afternoon. You know those days when dinner is ready, everyone is hungry, and the plain sandwich bread on the counter just feels kind of sad? This is for that moment. You get that chewy, shiny outside and the soft, fluffy inside that smells like a warm bakery. It also makes your kitchen feel instantly cozy, like you did something impressive on purpose.

What are pretzels?

Pretzels are basically bread with a twist, literally and also in how they are finished. The special thing is the quick dip in an alkaline bath before baking, which gives that classic deep brown color and that slightly snappy crust. Most of us think of the twisty snack shape, but pretzel dough can become rolls, buns, bites, or this Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style loaf style bake that slices like a dream.

Here is the vibe I always notice with pretzel bread: it tastes a little more “buttery” and savory even when there is not much butter involved. That is the outside doing its job. If you love that kind of warm, salty bread energy, you should also try these easy soft pretzel bites because they are a fun weekend snack and they disappear fast.

For this recipe, I keep it friendly and doable. You do not need fancy equipment, and you do not need to be a bread expert. You just need a little time for the dough to rise and a careful hand when you do the baking soda bath.

What you will need (simple pantry stuff):

• Warm water (not hot, think comfy bath water)
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast
• Sugar (just a little to wake up the yeast)
• Salt
• All purpose flour (bread flour works too)
• Butter (optional, but I like a little for softness)
• Baking soda for the dip
• Egg for egg wash (for shine)
• Pretzel salt or coarse salt

Quick tip from my own mistakes: if your water is too hot, it can mess with the yeast and the dough will act sleepy. Keep it warm, not steamy.

Laugenbrtchen History

Laugenbrotchen (also spelled in a few different ways depending on who you ask) are those gorgeous German pretzel rolls you see in bakeries. “Lauge” refers to the lye bath, and that is the traditional way to get that true pretzel crust. At home, most of us use baking soda because it is easier to handle, and honestly it still gives you that pretzel shop feel.

This style is tied closely to Bavaria, where pretzels and pretzel rolls are part of everyday life. You will see them with butter, with sliced meats, with cheese, and sometimes just eaten plain while walking around a market. That is the spirit I try to bring into my kitchen with Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style, even if I am wearing sweatpants and my sink is full of dishes.

Let us make it (my straightforward method):

• Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
• Stir in salt and flour, then knead until the dough looks smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer.
• Cover and let rise until doubled, usually 60 to 90 minutes depending on your kitchen.
• Shape into a loaf or 6 to 8 buns. Let them rest 15 to 20 minutes while you prep the baking soda bath.
• Boil water in a wide pot, then carefully add baking soda. Dip each piece about 20 to 30 seconds per side.
• Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, score the top with a sharp knife, then bake at 425 F until deep brown.

That dip is the whole “pretzel” magic. Do not skip it, even if you are tempted. It is what makes people take a bite and go, wait, you made this?

If you are planning a cozy dinner night, I love pairing this with something hearty like this homestyle chicken and veggies because the bread is perfect for scooping up the gravy and juices.

Salting the pretzel buns

Salt is where you can really make pretzel bread feel “right.” The classic is pretzel salt, which is chunky and does not melt as quickly. Coarse kosher salt works too. If all you have is table salt, go lighter because it can make bites feel too salty fast.

Here is my routine so the salt actually sticks: after the baking soda dip, I set the dough on the tray, then I do the egg wash, then I salt right away. Egg wash is basically your glue and it also gives you that shiny, bakery look.

My favorite topping options if you want to play around:

• Classic pretzel salt for that Bavarian vibe
• Everything seasoning if you want deli style energy
• Sesame seeds for a softer nutty flavor
• Grated parmesan for a savory crust

One more real life note: some batches brown faster than others depending on your oven and how long the dip was. If the top is getting too dark, you can loosely tent with foil for the last few minutes.

“I made this pretzel bread for a game night and people kept tearing off pieces straight from the cutting board. The crust was perfect and the inside stayed soft even the next day.”

Also, if you like dipping bread into things, I sometimes serve this alongside sweet southern style cornbread muffins for parties. It sounds random, but having two different breads makes everyone weirdly happy.

How To Serve It

This bread is best a little warm, when the crust still has that slight snap and the inside is pillow soft. I usually let it cool for about 20 minutes before slicing, because if you cut too early the steam can make the inside a bit gummy. But yes, I have absolutely ignored my own advice because I could not wait.

Easy serving ideas that actually work on a busy day:

• Slice and serve with soft butter and a smear of spicy mustard
• Make a sandwich with ham, turkey, or roasted veggies
• Turn thick slices into a grilled cheese that feels like a restaurant meal
• Serve with soup or stew so you can mop up the bowl

If you are doing a bread basket situation for dinner, I also love adding something like easy naan bread with garlic butter for variety. Different textures on the table makes the meal feel more fun, and it is honestly minimal extra effort if you plan ahead.

And if you somehow have leftovers, this makes unreal toast the next morning. A quick crisp in the oven, then butter, then a little jam if you like sweet and salty together.

More Delicious Recipes from Germany

If you like the general German bakery vibe, you are in a really tasty lane. Pretzel bread is just the start. German inspired baking often focuses on simple ingredients, good texture, and that comforting feeling you get from warm dough and a good crust.

A few ideas to explore after you nail this Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style recipe:

• Pretzel rolls for sandwiches and lunch boxes
• Soft pretzels for movie night snacks
• Apple and cinnamon bakes when you want something cozy and sweet

On the sweet side, if you are in a baking mood and want something pull apart and fun, you should look at this butterscotch monkey bread. It is not German, but it scratches the same warm, shareable, tear and eat itch that pretzel bread does.

Common Questions

Can I make Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style without egg wash?

Yes. The egg wash gives shine and helps toppings stick, but you can brush with a little milk or melted butter instead. The crust will be a bit less glossy.

Is baking soda really enough, or do I need lye?

Baking soda works great for home bakers and still gives a very pretzel like crust. Lye is more traditional and deeper in color, but it needs more careful handling. I stick with baking soda most of the time.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Usually it is because the dough did not rise long enough, or you added too much flour. Next time, give it a little more time and stop adding flour once the dough feels soft and only slightly tacky.

Can I prep the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temp for 30 to 45 minutes, shape, dip, and bake.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep it in a sealed bag or container at room temp for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster so the crust perks back up.

A warm loaf worth the little extra step

If you make this once, you will see why I keep coming back to Easy Pretzel Bread Soft Bavarian Style when I want a guaranteed win. The baking soda dip sounds like extra work, but it is quick, and it is the part that makes the crust taste like a real pretzel shop. If you want to compare approaches and pick up extra shaping tips, I found Easy Homemade Bavarian Pretzel Rolls | All that’s Jas super helpful, and for a more deep dive on the classic technique, Laugenbrezel (Bavarian-Style Soft Pretzels) Recipe – Serious Eats is a great read. Bake it for a cozy dinner, slice it for sandwiches, or just tear into it while it is still warm. Let me know how you top yours, because I am always looking for a new favorite.