Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce
Golden-brown, chewy soft pretzels baked to perfection and served with a tangy mustard sauce, inspired by Philadelphia’s famous soft pretzel tradition. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 45 minutes blends all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (110°F) warm water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 5: In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Step 6: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope, then twist into a pretzel shape.
- Step 7: Using a slotted spatula, gently lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Brush each pretzel with 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter and sprinkle with 2 tbsp coarse sea salt.
- Step 9: Bake for 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Step 10: While pretzels bake, whisk together 1/4 cup yellow mustard and 1 tbsp honey for dipping.
- Step 11: Serve warm pretzels with the mustard-honey sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Roasted Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dipping Sauce?
American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
