What Food Recommendations Are There for National Pretzel Day? How to Make It and What Additives Are Needed?

How to Make Homemade Pretzels
Making pretzels at home is way easier (and more fun) than you might think. Here’s a basic rundown:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup baking soda (for the boiling water bath)

1 egg (beaten, for brushing)

Coarse salt, for topping

Steps:

Activate your yeast: Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes till it gets foamy.

Make the dough: Add salt and flour, and mix until a dough forms. Knead it for 5–7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth.

Let it rise: Stick it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour.

Shape ‘em: Roll the dough into ropes and twist them into classic pretzel shapes.

Boil ‘em: Drop each pretzel into boiling water with baking soda for 30 seconds. This gives them that classic chewy crust.

Bake ‘em: Brush with the beaten egg, sprinkle on some salt, and bake at 450°F for 10–12 minutes till golden brown.

And there you have it — fresh, homemade pretzels that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven!

Fun Additives and Toppings
Why stop at plain salted pretzels? Here are a few awesome ideas to really take your pretzels to the next level:

Cheese Dip: Sharp cheddar or beer cheese dip is a classic pairing.

Cinnamon Sugar: Brush pretzels with butter after baking, then coat them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.

Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle this instead of just salt for a flavor bomb.

Jalapeño and Cheese: Stuff diced jalapeños and shredded cheese inside before baking.

Chocolate Dip: Pretzels and chocolate are a match made in snack heaven. Try dipping half the pretzel in melted chocolate!

Best Places to Eat Pretzels in the U.S.
If you’re out and about this National Pretzel Day (or just wanna treat yourself), here are three spots you have to check out:

1. Reading Terminal Market – Miller’s Twist
📍 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
📞 (215) 923-1723

When you think pretzels, Philly should be the first place that pops into your head. Miller’s Twist inside the famous Reading Terminal Market serves up some of the softest, butteriest pretzels you’ll ever sink your teeth into. Their "pretzel dogs" are next-level too — seriously, don’t skip it.

2. Gus’ Pretzels
📍 1820 Arsenal St, St. Louis, MO 63118
📞 (314) 664-4010

A St. Louis staple since 1920, Gus’ Pretzels is all about tradition and flavor. Their hand-twisted, fresh-baked pretzels are sold hot right outta the oven, and they offer all sorts of crazy-good stuffed varieties, like bratwurst or salsiccia pretzels. Trust me, it’s worth the trip (and the calories).

3. The Pretzel Bakery
📍 257 15th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
📞 (202) 621-9226

Tucked away in DC’s Hill East neighborhood, The Pretzel Bakery is small but mighty. Their "pretzel bombs" (think soft pretzel bites filled with gooey cheese) are the star of the show. They also do killer breakfast sandwiches...on pretzels, of course.

Final Thoughts
National Pretzel Day is all about indulging a little — or a lot. Whether you’re baking up a storm at home or hitting up one of these legendary pretzel spots, make sure you treat yourself to something buttery, salty, and totally delicious. Happy munching!

National Pretzel Day, celebrated annually on April 26 in the U.S., is a perfect excuse to indulge in these twisted, salty (or sweet!) treats. Whether you prefer classic soft pretzels, crunchy hard pretzels, or creative modern variations, this guide will explore delicious recommendations, simple recipes, and the key additives that make pretzels uniquely satisfying.

Delicious Pretzel Recommendations for the Celebration
1. Classic Soft Pretzels
The iconic soft pretzel is a staple—chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and often coated in coarse salt. Pair it with mustard, cheese sauce, or even chocolate dip for a versatile snack.

2. Hard/Snapping Pretzels
These crunchy, dry pretzels are perfect for snacking on their own or adding to trail mixes. Flavors can range from traditional salted to more adventurous options like honey mustard, sour cream and onion, or cinnamon sugar.

3. Stuffed Pretzels
Get creative with stuffed variations! Fill soft pretzel dough with cheese, pepperoni, or even sweet fillings like Nutella for a decadent twist.

4. Gluten-Free or Vegan Pretzels
For dietary restrictions, opt for gluten-free dough made with rice flour or vegan recipes that replace dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and flaxseeds.

5. Pretzel Bites and Sticks
Mini pretzel bites or sticks are ideal for sharing at parties. Dip them in dips like hummus, ranch, or caramel for a crowd-pleasing option.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels: A Simple Recipe
Ingredients (Dough):
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Additives for the Pretzel Bath:
¼ cup baking soda (key for the iconic chewy texture and golden-brown color)
4 cups water

Toppings:
Coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, cinnamon sugar, or grated cheese

Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough: Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (5–7 minutes). Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.

Shape the Pretzels: Divide dough into 6–8 pieces. Roll each into a 24-inch rope, twist into a pretzel shape, and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Pretzel Bath: Boil water and baking soda in a saucepan. Gently dip each pretzel in the mixture for 30 seconds, then return to the tray.

Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle toppings and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dip!
Understanding Key Additives in Pretzel Making
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):
Role: Creates the pretzel’s distinct chewy texture and deep golden color through a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction. The alkaline bath neutralizes the dough’s acidity, allowing sugars to caramelize and proteins to brown.

Safety: Food-grade baking soda is non-toxic and commonly used in baking.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae):
Role: Leavens the dough by producing carbon dioxide as it feeds on sugars, creating air pockets that give pretzels their light interior.
Type: Active dry or instant yeast are both suitable for pretzel recipes.

Salt (Sodium Chloride):
Role: Enhances flavor, strengthens gluten, and controls yeast activity to prevent over-rising. Coarse salt on the surface adds a crunchy, savory finish.

Sugar (Brown or White):
Role: Feeds the yeast to aid fermentation and adds subtle sweetness. Brown sugar can also contribute to a deeper color.

Emulsifiers and Preservatives (Commercial Use):
In packaged pretzels, additives like soy lecithin (an emulsifier) or vinegar (a preservative) may be used to improve texture and shelf life. These are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies.

Let's start with the classic soft pretzel. The basic ingredients for making soft pretzels include flour, water, yeast, salt, and a bit of sugar. To enhance the flavor and texture, some additives can be incorporated. For instance, ​​malt powder​​ is a common addition that gives the pretzel its characteristic shiny crust and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It also helps in the browning process during baking. Another option is to add ​​cheese powder​​ to the dough, which will result in a cheesy pretzel that is perfect for those who love a rich, savory taste. Additionally, ​​sesame seeds​​ or ​​poppy seeds​​ can be sprinkled on top of the pretzel before baking for added texture and flavor.

To make soft pretzels, start by activating the yeast in warm water with a touch of sugar. Once the yeast is frothy, combine it with flour, salt, and any other desired additives such as malt powder or cheese powder. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise until it doubles in size. After the dough has risen, shape it into pretzel forms by rolling it into long ropes and twisting them into the classic pretzel shape. Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for a short time.

Next, prepare the pretzel bath. Dissolve ​​baking soda​​ in water and bring it to a boil. Dip each pretzel into the boiling water for a few seconds, then place them back on the baking sheet. This step gives the pretzels their distinctive chewy texture and dark, glossy crust. Brush the pretzels with melted ​​unsalted butter​​ and sprinkle with coarse ​​sea salt​​. Finally, bake the pretzels in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 12 - 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

For those who prefer hard pretzels, the process is a bit different. Hard pretzels are made with a similar dough, but they are baked at a higher temperature for a longer time until they become crispy. To make hard pretzels, mix flour, water, yeast, salt, and any desired additives such as ​​garlic powder​​ or ​​onion powder​​. Knead the dough and let it rise. Shape the dough into small pretzel pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 - 25 minutes or until they are hard and golden.

In addition to the classic pretzel recipes, there are many creative variations that can be made for National Pretzel Day. For example, you can make pretzel dogs by inserting a hot dog into a soft pretzel and topping it with ​​mustard​​, ​​ketchup​​, and ​​cheese sauce​​. Pretzel bites are also a popular option, where the pretzel dough is cut into small pieces, boiled, and then baked. These can be served with a variety of dips such as ​​cheese dip​​, ​​mustard dip​​, or even ​​chocolate dip​​ for a sweet twist.

Another interesting food recommendation for National Pretzel Day is the pretzel bun. Pretzel buns can be used for burgers, sandwiches, or even as a base for pizza. To make a pretzel bun, follow the same basic pretzel dough recipe, but divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into buns. Boil the buns in the pretzel bath and then bake them until golden brown. The result is a delicious, chewy bun with a unique flavor that pairs well with a variety of fillings.

When it comes to making pretzels at home, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients and additives used. For a healthier option, you can use ​​whole wheat flour​​ instead of white flour. This will increase the fiber content of the pretzels and give them a nuttier flavor. You can also reduce the amount of salt used or substitute it with ​​herbs​​ and ​​spices​​ for a lower - sodium alternative.