These delicious Sourdough Discard Pretzels are a great way to use up some of your sourdough discard to make a tasty treat. They're fun and easy to make, and great to bake with beginner bakers like kids or family members! I also love to freeze them so you can reheat a pretzel to eat any time. And game day? Don't even get me started! These are a wonderful party appetizer that is always a show-stopper!
These pretzels are delicious to serve with Beer Cheese (for Pretzels), Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, or your other favorite dipping sauces!
If you're looking for more sourdough discard recipes, try these Sourdough Discard Bagels, these Sourdough Discard Garlic Rolls, or these Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls.
If you're new to working with sourdough starter, check out these in-depth guides on how to feed sourdough starter, how to use sourdough discard, and tips for struggling sourdough starter.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Sourdough Discard Pretzels are easy to make and great for beginner bakers or making with kids and family!
- Pretzels freeze well so you can enjoy some now and save some for later.
- If you're not baking with eggs, you can easily replace the egg wash with melted butter or even water.
- This recipe is very adaptable; you can easily top with cinnamon sugar, cheese, or your other favorite topping. Also try these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites!
- Thse pretzels are a great appetizer for game day or a party! They're always a huge hit (be prepared: you won't have any leftovers!).
Ingredients
As long as you have sourdough discard, you likely have everything you need!
- Sourdough discard: You will need unfed sourdough discard at room temperature for this recipe. This recipe is designed for a sourdough starter with a 1:1 ratio (when you feed your sourdough starter, it's with 1 part flour and 1 part water). If your starter uses a different ratio, you may need to modify some of the ingredients in this recipe.
- Active dry yeast: Even though we're using sourdough discard, this recipe still uses a leavening agent (in this case, yeast) to ensure the dough rises predictably. Don't worry, the pretzels will still have a sourdough tang!
- Dark brown sugar: This is to feed the yeast. You could also substitute this with light brown sugar, granulated sugar, or honey. The dark brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of our pretzel dough and will make a nice, soft pretzel.
- Flaky sea salt: Maldon Sea Salt is my favorite flaky sea salt for finishing the pretzels. You can also use pretzel salt!
See full recipe below for detailed directions.
I love this recipe so much! I've made them several times now. They're easy to make, look great, and every time I bite into one, I'm amazed all over again at how tasty they are.
- Nadine
Substitutions
This is a very adaptable recipe and there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Use active sourdough starter: If you'd like to use active sourdough starter instead of discard, you can! To do so, omit the yeast and replace the sourdough discard with active sourdough starter (in a 1:1 substitution). You may need to adjust the rise times as well, so keep an eye on the dough as it's rising.
- Omit the eggs: If you're not baking with eggs, you can use melted butter or even water in place of the egg wash. The purpose here is to help the salt stick to the pretzels.
- Use different toppings: Flaky salt is the classic pretzel topping, but you could also top these with everything bagel seasoning or another topping of your choice!
- Make the pretzels larger or smaller: To make mini pretzels, divide the dough into 24 pieces, rather than 8 for full-size pretzels. If you want to make jumbo pretzels, try dividing the dough into 4 or 6 pieces.
I have not tested this recipe with other variations, but if you do, let us know how it turns out in the comments! I always love to hear how you're adapting these recipes and use those as ideas for future recipes as well!
How to make Sourdough Discard Pretzels
These Sourdough Discard Pretzels come together in just a few easy steps. The full recipe card with measurements is at the bottom of this post!
Combine warm water, brown sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy (if it doesn't foam, your yeast is dead and you'll need to start over with fresh yeast).
Add the sourdough discard, flour, salt, butter, and water and mix until well combined. Change speed to medium and knead until dough is smooth, 4-5 minutes. You can also knead by hand.
Transfer the dough to a large, oiled boil and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (this doesn't have to be precise, but if you prefer, you can measure the pieces so they're all the same).
On an ungreased work surface (you'll need some traction), roll each piece into a rope, approximately 18-24 inches long.
Create a U shape with the dough.
Fold the ends of the rope over like a heart, make one twist, the press the ends into the bottom of the pretzel. Cover the pretzels while you preheat the oven and prepare the boiling water.
Boil each pretzel for 20-30 seconds on each side. Shake off excess water, and transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon or spatula. This boiling step helps create the pretzel crust and is crucial! The longer the boil, the thicker the crust.
Lightly brush each pretzel with egg wash.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (or your chosen toppings) and bake until golden brown.
Variation: Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
An easy variation of this recipe is to make Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites.
Instead of shaping the dough into the classic rounded pretzel, follow the below directions for delicious pretzel bites.
Roll each piece of dough into an 18-24 inch rope.
Use a sharp knife to cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. They don't have to be perfect!
Boil the pieces for 30 seconds.
Transfer the boiled pieces to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and separate into individual pieces so they don't stick together. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
You will bake the pretzel bites in the same way as the regular pretzels. Just keep an eye on the time as they may not need quite as much baking time.
Tip: If you don't separate the pieces of dough on the baking sheet, they will start to stick to each other as they're baking. It's not a bad thing and they'll be delicious, but they will clump together, so try to spread them out so they have some room on the baking sheet.
Expert Baking Tips
- Make sure to knead the dough long enough! If your pretzels are looking shaggy or not smooth, it's likely you didn't knead the dough until it was completely smooth.
- Be patient with the rise. Rise times will vary depending on the temperature of your room. If your room is warmer, you may need less rise time. If your room is colder, you may need more rise time.
- Press the ends of the pretzels into the bottom of the U when shaping. You don't want to just lay the dough on top of itself - this will unravel. Really press the ends of the pretzel into the bottom of the pretzel shape.
- Make sure the pretzels pass the float test. When you boil the pretzels, they should float. If they do not, cover the unboiled dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes, then try again.
- Pretzels might float immediately, or they may initially sink, then rise to the top to float. Either way, this is floating!
- If the pretzel sinks to the bottom and does not come up, or sticks to the bottom, they need more time to rise.
- Serve with your favorite dips, like this Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce!
Troubleshooting Pretzel Issues
There are a few issues that can come up when making pretzels. Below are a few ways to work through those challenges!
- Pretzels are sticking to the parchment paper: There are a few things that could cause this.
- Make sure to shake off the excess water after the boiling step before transferring to the baking sheet. Excess water can make the pretzels sticky.
- If you have excess egg wash pooling beneath the pretzels, this can make them sticky. You only need to use enough egg wash for the toppings to stick to the bites.
- Check the type of parchment paper you're using. Some are not designed for higher baking temperatures (and we're baking at a high temperature for this recipe!). I recommend using this parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat mat).
- Pretzels have a metallic taste: If your pretzels have a metallic taste, this could be from the baking soda in the boiling step (don't skip this step, you need it!). You may want to try a different kind of baking soda (I use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda). But it could also be from your egg wash! Make sure you're using fresh eggs (eggs that have been sitting in your fridge for longer can have a more alkaline taste) and whisk your egg wash thoroughly before brushing it on the pretzels.
- Pretzels are unraveling and not holding their shape: Make sure you knead the dough until it is smooth. As you're shaping the pretzels, really push the ends of the pretzels in the bottom of the U-shape. It shouldn't just be laying on top - you want to truly push these together!
Equipment
I like to make the dough in a KitchenAid 5-Quart Stand Mixer, but this is optional. You can also make this recipe with a large bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead the dough by hand. I recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your sourdough discard.
You'll need a large pot (I use a Staub Cocotte) for boiling the pretzels, a slotted spatula or spoon, and two half-sheet baking pans lined with parchment paper or a baking mat (like these Silpat Baking Mats). Use a silicone brush for the egg wash. Let the pretzels cool on a cooling rack.
kitchen essentials
My Favorite Baking Sheets
The perfect baking sheets for pretzels, bagels, pizza night and more!
Storage
There are easy options for either room temperature or freezer storage. I like to save a few pretzels to eat same day, and then freeze the rest to enjoy later!
Room Temperature Storage: If you're going to eat them quickly (the next day or so), keep them in a paper bag at room temperature. If they harden, you can put them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them soft and warm again.
Freezer Storage: Once fully cooled, transfer the pretzels to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to reheat, place them in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until they're soft and warm again.
Recipe FAQ
You can! To do so, omit the yeast and replace the sourdough discard with active sourdough starter (in a 1:1 substitution). You will also need to adjust the rise times.
Every sourdough starter is different. You may need to adjust the flour or water content of the recipe to reach the right dough consistency. If your dough is too wet, add 1 Tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing thoroughly, until you reach the desired consistency. If your dough is too dry, add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time, mixing thoroughly, until you reach the desired consistency.
You can use pretzel salt, too (of course!), but regular kosher salt or table salt is too fine and will melt right into the dough.
If you don't knead your dough long enough, it will look like it's not completely smooth. That will lead to shaggy-looking pretzels.
If your pretzels unravel when you boil them, you didn't press the ends into the bottom of the U-shape enough when shaping them (you can press hard!). After they're boiled, you can still shape and press them together if you need to!
Yes! And yes, you really need ⅔ cup opf baking soda in 10 cups of water. This is what gives the pretzels their signature crusty exterior. If you skip this step, they turn out like bread rolls in the shape of a pretzel.
Sourdough discard is what is leftover after you feed your sourdough starter. You can either literally discard this (compost or throw it away), or you can use it in sourdough discard recipes like this one!
Sourdough Discard Pretzels
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons warm water
- 1 Tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard unfed, at room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For Boiling
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
For Topping
- 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 Tablespoon water to make an egg wash
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Combine the warm water (1 cup + 2 Tbsp) and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment*. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes or until the yeast begins to foam.
- Add the sourdough discard, flour, and salt and mix on low speed. While the mixer is running, pour in the melted butter and mix until combined. Change to medium speed and continue to knead until a smooth dough forms, about 4-5 minutes (you can also knead by hand if preferred).
- If needed, add more flour or water (1 Tablespoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency. The dough should be fairly sturdy, smooth and not sticky.
- Transfer the dough in a ball to a large, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Line 2 half-sheet baking trays with parchment paper or a baking mat (such as a Silpat mat) and set aside.
- Turn the dough out onto a smooth, dry work surface (no need to flour or oil, you'll want some traction). Divide into 8 equal-size pieces (this doesn't need to be exact). Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope**. Make a U-shape with the rope, then cross the ends of the rope over each other like a heart. Twist the ends together and push down at the bottom of the U. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel while you prepare the next step.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bring 10 cups of water and ⅔ cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Make sure to add the baking soda to the water before it boils to avoid a bubbly mess!
- Place the pretzels in the boiling water, one by one, for 20-30 seconds on each side. A longer boil will create a thicker crust. The pretzels should float (called "passing the float test"); if not, see notes section below. Remove the pretzels from the water using a slotted spatula and shake off excess water. Return the pretzels to the baking sheet. Lightly brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt***.
- Bake until golden brown, approximately 13-15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Becky says
This is an amazing recipe! This was my first time making soft pretzels so I followed the recipe exactly (except for adding the sourdough starter I never measure that). They were so easy to make and super delicious! I’m glad I doubled the recipe and we did a few with everything bagel seasoning. I’ll def be trying more of your recipes.
Rayne says
Huge hit. We did your pretzel buns first (which are also amazing.) These didn't last long in my house. Directions are clear and easy. Thank you for sharing!
Ashley says
Best recipe ever created!!
I’ve also used this dough for bread sticks, pizza crust, and donuts (didn’t boil in water for any of those recipes) but it was all so good!
Thanks for sharing. Me and. My family make it almost weekly
Lance Tello says
Would it rise more with a fed sour dough starter?
Jessica Vogl says
I'm not sure what you mean. Using an active starter is just a different yeast in the dough. You'll need to increase the rise times as well. But if you let the dough rise past doubled in size, then yes, your pretzels will be puffier.
Zulfi Brookens says
The 3rd time is the charm! Everyone said it's delicious, my son couldn't stop eating them. I use the active sourdough starter and dry yeast although you said we can omit the dry yeast if using the active sourdough starter. It didn't turn out very well when I just use the active sourdough starter. Not sure maybe my active sourdough starter was not very good? Anyway they are superb! Thanks!!
Chelsea says
These are the BEST soft pretzels! I make these probably once every two weeks because my family loves them. Definitely my go-to for sourdough discard!
Jen b says
Wow these are so delicious! Great recipe!
Scotty says
Absolutely great recipe! The dough was perfect to handle, it rose exactly how it was expected to, and it was perfect with a dusting of salt, although I didn't need an egg wash for it, it stuck to the pretzels as soon as they came out of the water.
I used olive oil in place of butter and it still came out lovely, and I also added a little molasses to the boiling water.
I did half with flaky salt and half with sesame seeds, my dad has already stolen one from the stove while they cool
Annie says
easy and simple. always gone quickly, the sweet ones were a huge hit. my starter is very sour so it is a relief to be able to use a discard recipe in this way.
Laura says
Love this recipe! It takes some time but it's worth it!
HMS says
not at all happy that I had to subscribe in order to print the recipe! Would have left 5 stars if I could have just printed it.
Sarah Holmes says
These were amazing!
Melanie says
These were great.
I also took some of it and did not boil. I rolled it into balls and put in muffin pan. Baked for about 15 minutes. These were also very good.
Jessica says
The Best Soft Pretzels! Even better since we're using sourdough discard. Easy to follow instructions. Perfect texture, perfect flavor. Hands down best pretzel recipe!
Jenny says
Can you freeze these at any point before baking?
Jessica Vogl says
I haven't tried that with my pretzels specifically. I've tried it with dinner rolls and wouldn't recommend (they don't rise the same way when they're baked after freezing). I suspect we'd see the same issue here, where they wouldn't rise as much as if you baked them right away. That said, it is a pretzel and you don't need quite as much rise. I'll have to do some testing here, but I would guess that you'd want to feeze the dough after shaping, but before the boiling step!