05/31/2026
Today I experimented with making authentic German pretzels using a lye bath for only the second time.
For years, I made pretzels using the baking soda method. They were good, but when I lived in Germany, I fell in love with traditional German Brezeln and always wanted to recreate that same flavor and texture. A German friend had recommended using lye, but it was difficult to find where I was living at the time. Now that I'm back and can easily get food-grade lye, I decided to give it a try.
Since this was still a new technique for me, I tested different baking temperatures, comparing 400°F and 425°F to see how they affected the color and texture. The results were fascinating. The higher temperature produced a darker chestnut-brown crust, while the lower temperature gave a lighter finish. What surprised me most was the texture. The pretzels came out soft and fluffy on the inside, while the outside developed that characteristic chewy, slightly flaky crust that I remember from bakeries in Germany. It was a completely different experience from the baking soda version.
There's still more to learn and refine, but every batch teaches me something new. That's one of the things I love most about baking, it's a mix of science, tradition, and curiosity.😀
🥨 A Note About My Pretzels
My pretzels are baked the day before to ensure they are ready for the event. Because of this, they may lose some of their freshness and texture by the time you purchase them. I do not recommend eating them straight from the package while they are cold. For the best experience, I recommend to warm your pretzel before enjoying it. You can either
• Microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or
• Warm in a 350°F oven for a few minutes Reheating will soften the pretzel and bring back much of its fresh-baked texture, giving you a warm, soft, and delicious pretzel to enjoy.
I want every customer to have the best possible experience with my pretzels, so I highly recommend taking a few moments to warm them up before eating. Enjoy! 🥨❤️