Unique Soft Pretzel Toppings and Fillings - Uncle Henry's Pretzel Bakery (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret solution for Auntie Anne's pretzels? ›

While dough is rising, prepare a baking soda water bath with 2 cups warm water and 2 tbsp baking soda. Be certain to stir often. After dough has risen, pinch off bits of dough and roll into a long rope (about 1/2 inch or less thick) and shape. Dip pretzel in soda solution and place on greased baking sheet.

The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.

What Gives Pretzels Their Pretzel Flavor? You have baking soda to thank for that distinct pretzel flavor. Baking soda is highly alkaline and imparts that subtly metallic taste onto the dough before your pretzels go into the oven. Some recipes call for a lye bath, which does the same thing.

The popular toppings of authentic bavarian pretzels are:

Sesame, poppy, sunflower, pumpkin or caraway seeds, cheese sauce and bacon bits. Bavarians especially enjoy their pretzels in the late morning with Weißwürst, sweet mustard, and a Beer.

All those pretzels are made and twisted on the spot.

Auntie Anne's definitely doesn't serve pre-made pretzels! Every location receives shipments of the signature flour mixture, which is put in a mixer along with water and yeast. They're baked, brushed with real butter, salted and served right there.

Freshly Baked Soft Pretzels: Auntie Anne's Pretzels.

Soft pretzels are large and have a chewy texture. They're usually served individually and are commonly sold at concession stands, restaurants, and bakeries. Meanwhile, hard pretzels are small and crunchy and can be eaten by the handful, depending on their shape.

Dipping the dough in a lye solution gives traditional German pretzels their characteristic salinity; chew; and smooth mahogany exterior, but the strong alkali (sodium hydroxide) is corrosive and can burn your skin, so it must be handled with caution.

What to serve with soft pretzels? ›

Seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and spiritual fulfillment, pretzels were also commonly distributed to the poor, as a way of providing them with both spiritual and literal sustenance.

Choices include Cheese, Hot Salsa Cheese, Sweet Glaze, Caramel, Honey Mustard, Marinara, and Light Cream Cheese.

The best side dishes to serve with soft pretzels are spinach artichoke dip, broccoli cheddar soup, hummus, dulce de leche, smoked cream cheese, tzatziki sauce, strawberry jam, chocolate fondue, quinoa salad, mustard sauce, pizza dip, caramel sauce, pimento cheese, chicken salad, guacamole, and beer cheese dip.

Toppings: Set out bowls of toppings for guests to customize their pretzels. Options might include grated cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, crumbled bacon, mini chocolate chips, and crushed candy bars.

Serving Tips

Enhance the pretzel experience with a selection of dips—think classic mustard, rich cheese sauce, or sweet chocolate dip. Offering a variety of dips not only adds to the flavor but also introduces an extra element of moisture with each bite.