How To Bathe Soft Pretzels

Time for a BATH!

You may be tempted to skip this step but this is what gives some of the pretzel color as well as the texture of the crust and the soft interior.

HINT: When I make these, just before I start forming the pretzels I start the bath so that the water is boiling and ready for me when I come to this step.

Use a big wide pot combine the water and baking soda. Stir to make sure the soda dissolves which increases the pH of the water necessary for the pretzel taste.

Technique

One at a time place a formed pretzel in the boiling water for 30 seconds. It is a little tricky to keep it all in the right shape but you can do it!

Go ahead and splash the top with the water as well.

Remove with a large flat spatula or spider and place on a baking sheet lined with silpat.

Parchment paper also works, but make sure to brush the paper with vegetable oil or the pretzels will stick and be very hard to remove.