Gluten Free Soft Pretzels
Delicious gluten free soft pretzels that are slightly crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside!
Ingredients
Yeast Mix
- 2 cups water 110º F
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast * see note
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Pretzels
- 3 ½ cups gluten free flour blend 579.2 grams * see note
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt or kosher for the pretzels
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder aluminum free
Boil
- ½ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water
Coating
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200º F and then turn the oven off. This warm oven is where you will rise the pretzels.
- In a small bowl, add the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Be sure the water is no hotter than 110º F. Let the yeast sit for 5-10 minutes until it is bubbly. When it is bubbly, add the melted butter and mix.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt and mix well.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix into a soft dough. Remember, depending on your flour blend, you will need to add more liquid or dry ingredients. See the notes section for more details.
- You only get one good rise with gluten free so you will need to shape the pretzels before the rise.
- Break a piece of pretzel dough off and roll it into a rope about 1/2 inch thick.
- Make a bit U shape. Twist the ends and then pull them to the bottom of the U shape. Place the pretzel onto a baking sheet and repeat with the rest of the pretzel dough.
- Loosely cover the pretzels with plastic wrap, so they don't dry out, then place the baking sheet of pretzels into the warm oven to rise.
- Rise the pretzels for 45 minutes until they are close to double in size.
- Remove the pretzels from the oven, remove the plastic wrap, and preheat the oven to 450º F.
- Bring the baking soda and water to a boil. Add one pretzel, and cook 15 seconds on the bottom. Gently flip it over and cook 30 seconds on the front side. Remove with a slotted spoon so the extra water falls off.
- Place the boiled pretzels onto the baking sheet.
- Break a small egg into a bowl and whisk to blend it. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your pretzels.
- Remove and allow to cool on a cooling rack.
Notes
- Yeast - I used the Fleischman brand. Always double check the brand you use is gluten free. Red Star Platinum is NOT gluten free!
- The butter can be salted or unsalted.
- I have only tested my DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend. I plan to test Cup4Cup and Authentic Foods Steve's GF Bread Blend as these two flour blends also work well with yeast. Depending on the flour blend you use, you WILL need to adjust the amount of flour or liquid...it will depend on the starch level of the flour blend you use. Also, note that some blends do not work well in yeast recipes. You will find out if your blend works with yeast by reading the back of the bag. Most brands will say if their blend doesn't work with yeast. I will update the recipe when I test other blends.
- If you test another blend, please let me know in the comments so that others know the flour you used works. Also, if your blend contains Xanthan or guar gum, you do not need to add psyllium husk or another binder. If your blend has no xanthan or guar gum, you will want to add 1 teaspoon.
- Salt - Use coarse salt for the tops of the pretzels.
- Dip in German mustard, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. See the recipe post for these recipes.
- Can you make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, use plant-based butter.
- Can you make this recipe egg-free? Yes, it may turn out a little different, but you can brush the pretzel dough with butter.
- How do you store soft pretzels? Store in an airtight container. If you don't eat them within a couple of days, I recommend putting them in a freezer bag and storing in the freezer.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pretzelCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 37IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
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Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.