Sourdough Pretzels

Chewy, golden, and deeply satisfying, these sourdough pretzels are a cozy twist on a classic snack. With that signature tang and a beautifully bronzed crust, they’re perfect for sharing—or not. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these are a guaranteed hit.

Sourdough Pretzels

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 15 min

Fermentation time: 1 hour

Servings: 12 pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

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Directions:

• Add sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar into the mixing bowl. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.

• Add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it ferment for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel.

• Add egg into the bowl and beat well.

• Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

• Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

• Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition:

Calories 150, Fat 0g, Carbohydrate 32g, Fiber 1g, Sugar 11g, Protein 4g

Helpful Tips

• Use fed, active starter for the best rise and flavor—your dough should feel elastic and bubbly before shaping.

• Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s the secret to that rich color and distinct pretzel chew.

• Let them cool slightly before eating to fully develop their flavor and avoid a gummy texture inside.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with whole grain mustard and sharp cheddar for a grown-up snack board.

• Slice and stuff with deli meat and pickles for a pretzel sandwich twist.

• Serve warm with a beer cheese dip for game day or party fare.

I hope these pretzels bring a little joy to your kitchen! Let me know how they turn out in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!