German Soft Pretzel Sticks

 

My family are big fans of soft pretzels. The golden outside, the soft inside, plus the endless things you can dip them in. In my house the favorites are mustard or some melty cheese sauce. I'm partial to a beer cheese sauce. But whatever you dip these pretzels in they are a delicious snack.

The best part of these pretzels, is not having to make the classic pretzel shape. Making a stick is much easier and quicker than the pretzel shape. 

German Soft Pretzel Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups warm water, about 110º F
• 5 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 5 3/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 3/4 cup baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• kosher salt

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the brown sugar and water until the brown sugar has dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Using the paddle attachment, mix in the canola oil and 3 cups of flour. Switch to the dough hook and knead in the remaining 2 3/4 cups flour. The dough will be slightly sticky at this point. Continue to knead the dough until smooth and silky, about 3 minutes. If the dough is still stick knead in up to a 1/4 cup more flour.
3. Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature until doubled in size about 45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 450º F.  Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper and spread with butter.
5. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a clean floured surface. Knead the dough lightly and then flatten it out slightly and cut into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 7-8 inch long stick about 1/2 inch thick. Transfer the sticks to the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each stick. Let them stand, uncovered, until puffed up, about 25 minutes.
6. Heat 3 cups of water in medium saucepan on the stove and keep at a simmer.
7. In a large deep skillet, add in 2 quarts of water and stir in the baking soda.Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium. Using 2 slotted spoons, carefully transfer 6 sticks or as many that will fit without overcrowding the pan. Simmer the sticks for 15 seconds, turn the over and simmer for an additional 15 seconds. Transfer the sticks to the paper towel to drain, then return to the baking sheet. Add in about 1 cup of simmering water to the large skillet and repeat the process with 6 more sticks until all of the sticks have simmered in the water, adding more water after each batch if needed to keep the water level up.
8. In a small bowl, light beat together the egg and water. Brush the top of each stick with this mixture and sprinkle with some salt.
9. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 152
Total Fat		3g
Saturated Fat		0.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.5g
Cholesterol		9mg
Sodium		2370.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		27g
Dietary Fiber		0g
Sugars		4g
Protein		4.3g
Calcium		0.1%
Iron		0.2%
Potassium		0mg
Vitamin A		0.7%
Vitamin C		7.3%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Gather For Bread.