Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBay State Brewery & Tap RoomGiant Bavarian Pretzel Recipe

Giant Bavarian Pretzel Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

Bavarian Style pretzel served with stone ground mustard.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Baking Soda Bath

Toppings

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted unsalted butter. Mix until a dough begins to form.

  3. 3

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    First Rise

    Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Baking

  1. 5

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 6

    Shape Pretzels

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.

  3. 7

    Prepare Baking Soda Bath

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Reduce heat to a simmer.

  4. 8

    Boil Pretzels

    Working one at a time, carefully lower each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. 9

    Add Toppings

    Sprinkle the boiled pretzels with coarse sea salt before baking.

  6. 10

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until dark golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Serving

  1. 11

    Serve

    Serve the giant Bavarian pretzel warm with stone ground mustard on the side for dipping.

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