How to make Homemade Pretzels
Last updated April 4, 2026.
Makes 12-14 pretzels
Ingredients
250 ml water
7 g yeast
20 g sugar
30 ml oil
412 g AP flour
3 g sea salt
50 g lye
1000 ml filtered water
Directions
Whisk together the water, yeast, and sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and knead by hand until smooth. Transfer to a large greased bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap. Let double in size (~1.5 hours)
Heat the oven to 450ΛF.
Punch down the dough to release the gas, and turn out onto an unfloured surface. Divide into 12 to 14 pieces, about 65 g each. Roll each piece into a ball, then rest on a baking sheet for ten minutes, covered. Roll each ball into long rods, 13-14 inches long. Shape into pretzel.
Prepare the lye bath by carefully stirring together the lye and water.
Dip each preztel in the lye bath for 15 seconds. Transfer to Silpat-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, bake for 10-15 minutes. Brush with butter.
