I am super excited about this week’s #SundaySupper! The theme for this week is New Year’s Bucket List. Every year I make a list of things I want to accomplish after my birthday. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the year then crossing something off my bucket list.
I didn’t even need to think about what I wanted to make. Three times this year I’ve been prepared to make Alton Brown’s Soft Pretzels and all three times I’ve chickened out. This time I went with it and it was much easier then I thought it would be! The pretzels smelled and looked amazing with a crispy golden brown exterior and a soft and tasty interior.
In a unique twist my husband decided he wanted to make crab melts on top of the pretzels. I wasn’t sure about this idea but he made his Maryland Crab Cakes, put them on the pretzel, melted a little cheese on top, and we ate them as sandwiches. The verdict? Seriously delicious!
Alton Brown’s Soft Pretzels (recipe from Alton Brown)
1 1/2 c. warm water (110 degrees)
1 T. sugar
1 T. kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/2 c. all purpose flour
3 T. butter, melted
Vegetable Oil
10 c. water
2/3 c. baking soda
1 egg yolk
1 T. water
Salt (I used Hawaiian Red Sea Salt and Fleur de Sel)
1. In a large bowl combine the wate, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the dry yeast on top and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.
2. Add the flour and melted butter to the mixture and mix with a spoon until just combined.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes.
4. Coat a large metal bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside of it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and all to sit in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
6. In a large stockpot bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil over high heat.
7. Meanwhile, turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and cut into 8 pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 24 inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope and then criss-cross them to make a pretzel shape. Press the dough where it crosses and then place the pretzels on the parchment lined pans.
8. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove the pretzel using a spatula. Place back on the parchment lined pan. Repeat with remaining pretzels.
9. In a small bowl beat the egg yolk and water together. Brush the egg mixture onto a pretzel and then sprinkle with your choice of salt.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown in color. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire cooling rack, and wait 5 minutes before serving.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I just made pretzels today! Found you on one of the Sunday Supper Links and pretzels were on my bucket list, too. Although I’m not in the group. Yours turned out great!
Anne @ Webicurean says
these look GREAT! and topped with a crab cake? wow!
Sarah says
Alton Brown is one of my favorites! I kind of have a crush on him. We all have dishes we just never get a chance to make or just plain afraid to make. I am glad you finally made the pretzels because they look way too good.
Conni thefoodiearmywife Smith says
Mmmm- I love fresh *warm* pretzels!!! I need to make some of these soon. You have me craving them now 🙂
Lane says
I have never made actual pretzels only pretzel rolls, but just a regular pretzel is on my bucket list too. I want to make cinnamon sugar ones like Auntie Anne’s!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
OK, doesn’t look like my comment went through on my iPad. Grr! My hubby loves a sandwich at a restaurant near us on a pretzel roll. Yours look wonderful.
Books n' Cooks says
A friend of mine tried this recipe a couple months ago – the pretzels are great! I’d completely add a bit of crab and melted cheese on it. It’s the ultimate game day snack!
Sarah Reid says
Soft pretzels were my weakness before finding out about my wheat issue. Made a ton of them back in the day! Yours look wonderful
Megan Wood says
Wow I am totally impressed. I have never made homemade pretzels, but now they are on my list!
Laura Hunter says
So I love pretzels but hubby doesn’t but I bet I could convert him with these
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
These pretzels are definitely going on my bucket list. I love eating pretzels. I mean, think of the possibilities! Covered in pizza sauce and cheese, or dipped in butter and covered with sugar and cinnamon… And tell me more about these crab cakes – good God I’m drooling!
kelly @ kellybakes says
I loved your post for two reasons: 1. I make lists on my birthday rather than new years (it’s a full year of your life…your new year starts on your birthday. makes perfect sense! glad someone else gets it!) 2. I live in Philly where it’s pretzel-centric and I keep thinking that I need to try my hand at homemade ones.
3. Who doesn’t love Alton? I mean, seriously. I’ve never had one of his recipes fail before. Genius, that man!
Katy says
Wow – very ambitious and they look wonderful!
Patricia Stagich says
These came out perfect Heather! With some mustard and a cold beer – Yummm!
theroxxbox.com says
Thanks look yummy..I love pretzels!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
These pretzels look great and so tasty!!! and you can’t go wrong with an Alton Brown recipe! Love it!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I love Alton Brown. Mmm, these soft pretzels look delicious; they’re beautiful!
Family Foodie says
I can’t wait to try this gorgeous recipe. I love soft pretzels! What a fun way to start off the New Year!
Peanut Butter and Peppers says
These are on my bucket list for this year! I have read so many reviews about Alton Browns pretzels. Your look amazing and now I’m excited to try them!!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I love a good soft pretzel, so glad you made them this time!
Tara says
Yummy, soft pretzels. I am now adding these to my bucket list!!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Beautiful pretzels! I’ve always wanted to make them…they’re on my bucket list too!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
i love soft pretzels and have been wanting to make them! What a great idea. And your photos are great!
Nicole @ The Daily Dish says
Oooh! These look really good. I have yet to actually make homemade pretzels either, and think I need to add that to my 2013 bucket list.
You did a great job and they look delicious!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
I love soft pretzels! Yours look amazing. I have to admit… I have to dip mine in cream cheese. Yum!
Susan says
Can I tell you, the first time I ever tried to make pretzels the dough ended up a big gloppy mess! It was also my last, seeing yours, I need to give Alton’s recipe a go one more time!
Cindy's Recipes and Writings says
Beautiful, Heather! Soft pretzels are one of my favs, you make it look so easy!
Lizzy Do says
I need to add pretzels to my bucket list, too! I’ve made a quick version, but I’d love to try yours!!! Beautifully done…and I love the sandwich idea 🙂
The Ninja Baker says
Your pretzels look wonderful, Heather Lynne. And very much appreciate your step-by-step how-to…Makes pretzels look doable +) Love the idea of combining the pretzels with crab, too.