Joanna Gaines' Soft Pretzel Recipe From Magnolia Table

Crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, soft pretzels are an irresistible snack or meal accompaniment. Joanna Gaines' pretzel recipe from her Magnolia Table cookbook yields delicious, bakery-style pretzels that you can easily make at home. Read on for her simple method using basic ingredients that come together in just a few steps.

What makes Joanna's pretzels so good is her combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours that give them a wholesome, nutty flavor. Active dry yeast helps the dough rise beautifully into that iconic pretzel knot shape before boiling and baking. The addition of baking soda to the boiling water helps create that shiny, brown pretzel crust during baking. Let's look at what you'll need.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Pretzel salt for sprinkling

Steps

Now let's go through the easy steps to make these soft baked pretzels:

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together both flours and the salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix and knead the dough until smooth, adding more flour as needed if sticky.

Let Rise

Grease a large bowl with cooking spray or oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all over with grease. This prevents sticking. Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.

Shape the Pretzels

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll and stretch each piece into a 24-inch rope. Shape into pretzel knots. Cover and let rise another 10 minutes.

Boil and Bake

In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Use a slotted spoon to carefully add pretzels, 2-3 at a time, for 30 seconds per side.

Transfer boiled pretzels to a greased baking sheet. Brush all over with egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.

Let cool 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy these soft pretzels plain, with mustard, cheese sauce, or chocolate sauce for a sweet treat.

Tips for Making Joanna Gaines' Pretzels

Follow these tips for bakery-perfect pretzels every time:

• Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast and start the dough rising.
• Knead the dough well until smooth and elastic.
• Use plenty of flour on the surface when shaping to prevent sticking.
• Boil in baking soda water just 30 seconds per side for the best chewy texture.
• Brush with egg wash all over for a shiny finish.

How to Store and Reheat

Pretzels are best fresh but you can store and reheat them:

• Store uneaten pretzels in an airtight bag at room temperature up to 2 days.
• Freeze pretzels up to 2 months in a freezer bag.
• Reheat frozen pretzels in a 350°F oven 5-10 minutes until warm.

Fun Pretzel Topping Ideas

Personalize pretzels with these fun topping combinations:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Melted chocolate chips
• Shredded cheese
• Streusel topping
• Chopped nuts
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning

Get creative with your own favorite spices, herbs, cheeses, sprinkles or nut butters!

Pretzel Pairings

Serve these soft baked pretzels with:

• Nacho cheese sauce
• Queso dip
• Stoneground mustard
• Beer cheese dip
• Creamy spinach artichoke dip
• Hummus
• Marinara sauce

Having an assortment of dips and sauces makes for a fun pretzel party!

Conclusion

Joanna Gaines' easy homemade soft pretzels are the perfect weekend baking project. A few simple ingredients come together into chewy, delicious pretzels the whole family will love. Shape and boil the dough, then bake with crunchy pretzel salt for an irresistible soft pretzel, just like from the mall. Pair these tasty pretzels with sweet and savory dipping sauces. Make Joanna's pretzel recipe to enjoy piping hot and fresh anytime.

FAQs

Q: What is the boiling water and baking soda for?

A: The baking soda helps create that signature brown, shiny, crunchy pretzel crust when baked. It's an important step!

Q: How long do the pretzels take to bake?

A: Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes until deeply golden brown all over.

Q: Can I bake these pretzel knots on a silicone baking mat?

A: Yes, silicone baking mats work well. Grease the mat first for easy release.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough, let rise once, then refrigerate 1-2 days before shaping.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with soft pretzels?

A: Mustard, melty cheese sauce, hummus, marinara, or creamy dips all pair deliciously!

Make and enjoy these soft, chewy pretzels just like Joanna Gaines'