I’ve been twisting up Joanna Gaines’ pretzels for family gatherings, and the smiles when I bring them out are just as warm as the pretzels themselves.
I always let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles – it’s the secret to that perfect, fluffy inside.
I’m particularly fond of this recipe for its golden crust that cracks just so when you take the first bite.
And here’s a tip:
Don’t skip the baking soda bath – it’s what gives these pretzels their distinctive, delicious crust.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Pretzels
Ingredients List
To make Joanna Gaines Pretzels, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup flaky salt (such as Maldon)
Step-by-step process
Step 1
Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and kosher salt.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and allow it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Prepare the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
Using a dough hook attachment, mix the dough at a medium-low speed until well combined and smooth.
The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Step 2
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it out to remove any air pockets, then fold it back onto itself a few times.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then form it into a ball.
Let the dough rest. Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil or olive oil.
Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about one hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with vegetable oil.
Shape the pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a long rope shape, roughly 20 inches long.
Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape with the ends, crossing them, and pressing them down onto the bottom of the U.
Step 4
Dip pretzels in baking soda solution: In a large, shallow pot, mix the boiling water and baking soda until dissolved.
Dip each pretzel into the mixture for about 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the pretzels: Bake the dipped pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5
Finish with butter and flaky salt: As soon as you remove the pretzels from the oven, brush them with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle them with flaky salt.
Enjoy your Joanna Gaines Pretzels while still warm.
Side Dishes for Joanna Gaines Pretzels
Joanna Gaines Pretzels are a versatile and fun snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of side dishes.
In this section, we’ll explore some delicious and complementary sides that you can serve alongside these pretzels to enhance your snacking experience.
Cheese Dip
A warm, creamy cheese dip is one of the most popular side dishes to serve with pretzels.
Cheese dip adds a rich and savory element that pairs perfectly with the salty, chewy pretzels.
You can easily make a cheese dip by combining cheddar cheese and ounces of cream cheese with milk and a few spices.
Simply melt the cheeses together, then stir in the milk for a smooth and velvety cheese sauce that everyone will love.
Hummus
Why not serve your Joanna Gaines Pretzels with some hummus for a healthier side dish option?
This creamy, protein-packed spread made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices is both delicious and nutritious.
Hummus adds a smooth, earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the crunch and saltiness of the pretzels, and it’s a great choice for those looking for a lighter, heartier snack.
Remember, the key to finding a great side dish for Joanna Gaines Pretzels is to choose a complementary flavor and texture that enhances the snacking experience.
Experiment with the different options mentioned above and find your perfect combination to enjoy with these tasty pretzels.
Ingredients Substitutes
In case you need to make substitutions for Joanna Gaines’ pretzel recipe, here are some alternatives for a few key ingredients:
Sugar:
Instead of using white sugar, which the recipe calls for (½ cup and 1 teaspoon), you might opt for one of the following substitutes:
- Brown sugar: You can swap white sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar.
- It will add a slight molasses flavor to the pretzels, but it will still provide the necessary sweetness and help with the yeast fermentation process.
- Honey: If you prefer a more natural sweetener, you can replace sugar with honey.
- Use ⅔ cup of honey for every ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon of sugar required in the recipe.
- Agave nectar: Agave nectar, a plant-based sweetener, may also work as a substitute.
- Use ⅔ cup of agave nectar instead of the sugar called for.
Please note that using liquid sweeteners like honey or agave nectar may slightly affect the texture of the pretzel dough.
Adjust the flour amounts accordingly if the dough appears too wet.
Active dry yeast:
If you don’t have active dry yeast (1 tbsp) on hand, there are a couple of alternatives:
- Instant yeast: Use an equal amount of instant yeast as a 1:1 substitute.
- Instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in water beforehand, so you can mix it directly with your flour.
- Fresh yeast: If you have fresh yeast, you can use it as well.
- The conversion is 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast to 0.6 ounces of fresh yeast.
Remember that fresh yeast might require a longer fermentation time, so adjust the recipe’s rising times as needed.
How to Store Joanna Gaines Pretzels
Storing leftover Joanna Gaines pretzels properly is essential to maintain their taste and texture.
Follow these simple steps to keep your pretzels fresh and delicious.
Step 1: Cool the Pretzels Down
After baking, allow the pretzels to cool down completely on a wire rack.
This will prevent them from getting soggy due to the trapped steam.
Step 2: Use an Airtight Container
Place the pretzels in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and contaminants.
You can use either a plastic or glass container as long as it has a tight seal.
Step 3: Add a Tea Towel
To absorb any moisture and help keep your pretzels fresh, place a clean tea towel at the bottom of the container before adding the pretzels.
Step 4: Seal the Container
Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from entering, which can lead to the pretzels becoming stale.
Step 5: Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Choose a cool, dry spot in your kitchen or pantry to store the container.
Avoid placing it near any sources of heat or direct sunlight, as this can degrade the quality of the pretzels.
Remember, pretzels are best enjoyed within a few days of baking.
If you still have leftovers after that, you can freeze them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for up to three months.
To reheat, simply wrap the pretzels in aluminum foil and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not using enough baking soda in the bath
To achieve that characteristic golden brown and chewy crust, make sure to use the correct amount of baking soda in the water bath.
Dissolve ⅓ cup of baking soda in 4 cups of boiling water.
This step is crucial for getting that authentic pretzel texture and color.
Using too much water while shaping the dough
While rolling the dough into a 24-inch-long rope to form the traditional pretzel shape, avoid using too much water.
Excess water can make the dough slippery and difficult to manage.
If necessary, use a minimal amount of water on your hands to prevent sticking.
Not watching the heat when making the cheese dip
When preparing the cheese dip to accompany your warm pretzels, be careful not to overheat the mixture.
Cook the mixture on medium heat, making sure to keep an eye on it and stir it frequently.
This prevents the sauce from burning or becoming clumpy.

Joanna Gaines Pretzel Recipe
- 1 clean towel
- 1 large bowl
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup flaky salt such as Maldon
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and kosher salt.Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and allow it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.Prepare the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture.Using a dough hook attachment, mix the dough at a medium-low speed until well combined and smooth.The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently press it out to remove any air pockets, then fold it back onto itself a few times.Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth, then form it into a ball.Let the dough rest. Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil or olive oil.Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about one hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with vegetable oil.Shape the pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces.Roll each piece into a long rope shape, roughly 20 inches long.Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape with the ends, crossing them, and pressing them down onto the bottom of the U.
- Dip pretzels in baking soda solution: In a large, shallow pot, mix the boiling water and baking soda until dissolved.Dip each pretzel into the mixture for about 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.Bake the pretzels: Bake the dipped pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
- Finish with butter and flaky salt: As soon as you remove the pretzels from the oven, brush them with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle them with flaky salt.Enjoy your Joanna Gaines Pretzels while still warm.
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