PRETZEL STICKS : HOMEMADE

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked pretzels wafting through the house. My sister-in-law tried this recipe last weekend, and let me tell you—it was LOVE at first bite. These pretzel sticks are soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and packed with that signature chewy goodness. PLUS, they’re easier to make than you think (I promise!).

For an exceptional combination, serve them alongside our Tomato Soup and Grandma’s Chicken Soup (my favorite).

In this blog, I’m breaking down EXACTLY how to make homemade pretzel sticks, sharing TIPS to nail that bakery-style flavor, and answering your FAQs so you’ll be PRETZEL-READY in no time. Let’s dive in!

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Super simple ingredients. No fancy stuff here—just pantry staples.
• Family-approved. My kids couldn’t stop munching on these, and my husband kept asking for “just one more.”
• Customizable. Sweet, salty, cheesy—go WILD with toppings!
• Perfect for snacks or parties. Pretzel sticks = crowd-pleasers every time.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s your go-to shopping list. Most of these you probably already have in your kitchen:

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet of the active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ tsp)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 6 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

Toppings (Choose Your Faves!):

• Coarse sea salt
• Shredded cheese (cheddar works GREAT)
• Cinnamon sugar (for a sweet twist!)
• Everything bagel seasoning

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HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS

Follow these steps, and you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!

ACTIVATE THE YEAST

In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast, give it a quick stir, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy. This step is like giving your dough a little pep talk!

MIX THE DOUGH

Add salt then melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually you stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

KNEAD LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface then knead for 5 minutes. Think of it as a mini arm workout (but worth it). The dough should be smooth and elastic.

LET IT REST

You pop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, then let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size.

SHAPE YOUR PRETZEL STICKS.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. You roll each piece into a rope (about 6 inches long) for that classic pretzel stick shape.

BAKING SODA BATH MAGIC

You bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Drop the pretzel sticks in, one or two at a time, for about 30 seconds each. This gives them that shiny, chewy crust.

ADD YOUR TOPPINGS.

Place the boiled sticks on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with your favorite toppings, and get ready to bake!

BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION

Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pretzels are beautifully golden brown.

ENJOY THE DELICIOUSNESS

Let the sticks cool for a few minutes (if you can resist), then DIG IN! Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or just eat them plain.

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TOPPING IDEAS TO TRY

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Savory: Parmesan and garlic powder.
• Sweet: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.
• Spicy: Sprinkle with chili flakes or paprika.
• Cheesy: Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella before baking.

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WHY MAKE HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS?

Homemade pretzel sticks offer so much more than their store-bought counterparts. When you make them yourself, you control the ingredients, which means no unnecessary preservatives or additives. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome snack that’s full of flavor and made with love.

Another reason to try your hand at homemade pretzel sticks? They’re a fun project for the whole family! Kids will LOVE rolling out the dough and sprinkling on their favorite toppings. It’s a hands-on activity that turns snack time into quality time.

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TIPS FOR PERFECT HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS

1. Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath. This step might seem extra, but it’s essential for that classic pretzel texture. Without it, your homemade pretzel sticks won’t have that chewy crust or deep golden color.
2. Use Warm Water to Activate Yeast. The water should be around 110°F—warm, not hot.
3. Knead Your Dough Well. Take your time kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. This helps your pretzel sticks rise beautifully.
4. Customize the Toppings. Salt is the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Shredded cheese, cinnamon sugar, or even everything bagel seasoning take homemade pretzel sticks to the next level.
5. Serve Them Fresh. Homemade pretzel sticks taste best right out of the oven. If you’re not eating them immediately, store them in a container and reheat before serving.

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HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS: A SNACK FOR ANY OCCASION

Homemade pretzel sticks are the ultimate snack for ANY event. Hosting a movie night? Serve a batch of pretzel sticks with a variety of dips—think honey mustard, marinara, or even chocolate sauce. Planning a game day feast? These sticks are the perfect addition to your spread.

They’re warm, delicious, and made with care—a combination that’s hard to beat.

KID-APPROVED HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS

If you’re looking for a snack that kids will devour, homemade pretzel sticks are a winner. My kids LOVE helping out in the kitchen with this recipe—it’s like a fun, edible art project! They’ll roll the dough, shape the sticks, and sprinkle on their favorite toppings (cinnamon sugar is always a hit in my house).

And because homemade pretzel sticks are so customizable, they’re great for picky eaters. Let your kids choose their own toppings, and suddenly snack time becomes an exciting activity instead of a battle.

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HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up a batch of homemade pretzel sticks. They make a unique addition to holiday gatherings, whether as an appetizer or part of a snack table. Plus, they’re easy to dress up for the season—think red and green sprinkles for a festive touch or a drizzle of white chocolate for a wintery vibe.

Homemade pretzel sticks also make a thoughtful (and tasty!) gift. Wrap them up in a decorative bag with a small container of homemade dip, and you’ve got a gift anyone would love. It’s a personal, delicious way to share a little holiday cheer.

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A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TO STORE-BOUGHT SNACKS

One of the best things about homemade pretzel sticks is that they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought options. You can skip the preservatives and artificial flavors and focus on real, simple ingredients. Want to make them even more nutritious? Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for a whole wheat flour, or use unsalted butter to control the sodium.

When you bake homemade pretzel sticks, you know exactly what’s going into your food. That peace of mind makes every bite taste even better!

MORE SOUP IDEAS TO ENJOY WITH PRETZEL STICKS

SWAMP SOUP A HEALTHY RECIPE YOU’LL LOVE

MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP

SOUP BONES : MY FAMILY’S FAVORITE RECIPE

GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP

FAQs ABOUT HOMEMADE PRETZEL STICKS

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Bringing It All Together 🥨

Making homemade pretzel sticks is EASIER than it sounds, and they’re WAY better than anything you’ll find at the store. The BEST part? You can totally make them your own. Whether you’re going classic, cheesy, or sweet, these pretzel sticks are going to WOW everyone you share them with (or just keep them all to yourself—no judgment!).

If you try this recipe, LET ME KNOW how it turned out in the comments below. I’d LOVE to hear about your pretzel adventures!