We are hosting an Oktoberfest party next week and I have been experimenting with soft pretzel recipes. I am baking and freezing them in advance, and they will be thawed and heated before serving. I have tried a few recipes and am really pleased with this variation.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 packet yeast

1/2 stick butter (softened)

4 1/2 cups flour

10 cups water plus 2/3 cups baking soda

1 egg yolk plus 1 tbsp. water

Course salt

Directions:

Place the first three ingredients in a mixing bowl, stir, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let this sit for five minutes, then gradually mix in the butter and flour. Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 50 minutes. Divide the dough into eight equal parts. Roll and twist each portion into a pretzel shape and place on baking sheets that are lined with greased parchment paper.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large skillet. Dip each pretzel into the water and return to the baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!!