Everything Bagel Soft Pretzels with Boiled Dough
Soft, chewy homemade pretzels topped with savory everything bagel seasoning blend. These bakery-style pretzels combine the classic pretzel-making technique of boiling in baking soda water with the popular everything bagel flavor profile of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. Perfect for game day snacks, casual entertaining, or satisfying afternoon cravings. The traditional pretzel shaping and brief boiling step creates the signature chewy texture and golden crust that sets these apart from regular bread rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flourbread flour1:1texture
chewier texture
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- ½ cup everything bagel seasoningsesame seeds + poppy seeds + garlic flakes + onion flakes1:1vegetarian
homemade blend
Instructions
- 1
Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in mixing bowl and let sit until foamy
- 2
Add flour and salt to yeast mixture and mix until dough forms
- 3
Knead dough on floured surface until smooth
- 4
Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise
- 5
Preheat oven and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- 6
Bring water and baking soda to boil in pot
- 7
Divide dough into pieces and roll each into rope, then shape into pretzel
- 8
Boil each pretzel briefly, then place on prepared baking sheet
- 9
Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning
- 10
Bake until golden brown
Tips
Test yeast freshness by ensuring mixture becomes foamy within 5 minutes, indicating active yeast.
Don't skip the boiling step as it creates the characteristic chewy pretzel texture and helps seasoning adhere.
Work quickly when shaping pretzels to prevent dough from becoming too sticky or difficult to handle.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Shaped pretzels can be refrigerated overnight before boiling and baking
Serve warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or enjoy plain
Common Mistakes
Use water that's warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast
Don't over-boil pretzels or they'll become tough and dense
Apply egg wash just before baking to prevent seasoning from sliding off
Substitutions
homemade blend
FAQ
Can I freeze these pretzels?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled pretzels for up to 3 months. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.
What if I don't have everything bagel seasoning?
Make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and coarse salt in equal parts.
How long do these keep fresh?
Fresh pretzels stay soft for 2-3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed.