FAQs
Soft pretzels are large and have a chewy texture. They're usually served individually and are commonly sold at concession stands, restaurants, and bakeries. Meanwhile, hard pretzels are small and crunchy and can be eaten by the handful, depending on their shape.
What is the difference between a Bavarian pretzel and a soft pretzel? ›
Unlike their American counterpart, Bavarian pretzels pack a denser, chewier inside and a darker, crispier outside. And there's a certain "tang" to the Bavarian-style pretzel that sets it apart from other soft pretzels. But best of all, it doesn't need to be dipped in cheese or drenched in butter to taste delicious!
What are the two types of pretzels? ›
There are two main types of pretzels, and each has a distinctive texture. There is the soft pretzel, often called the authentic pretzel, as it was the version brought here in the first place. Then there is the hard pretzel, which was originally made in 1850 in Pennsylvania.
What came first, soft pretzels or hard pretzels? ›
Early pretzels were of the “soft” variety; hard pretzels are something of a relatively modern invention. However, contrary to popular belief, hard pretzels did not originate in 1600 when a baker fell asleep while he was tending his fire, burning pretzels to a crisp, as good of a story as that might have been.
What makes a soft pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›
The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.
Are Auntie Anne's pretzels soft? ›
Original Pretzel
The original twist that started it all; a simple, buttery and salty soft pretzel that is better than the best.
Do Germans eat soft pretzels? ›
You may pick up on how the taste is different, as German soft pretzels are known for containing a thicker, denser, and chewier inside while having a slightly crispier outside. The main difference to note between the more “American-style” pretzels and German pretzels is an ingredient called lye.
Do Germans like hard pretzels? ›
Hard pretzels are also a popular accompaniment to beer in Germany, and are often served in beer gardens and at Oktoberfest celebrations.
Are hard pretzels baked or fried? ›
Pretzels are uniquely shaped baked snacks manufactured from a lean and stiff fermented wheat flour dough. They are typically treated with a sodium hydroxide or other alkali salts prior to baking and topped with coarse or Kosher salt. They are available in a variety of flavors and colors.
What is a German pretzel called? ›
This ultimately led to the proper German name, "Brezel" (singular) or “Brezeln” (plural). Depending on the dialect, pretzels are called Brezel (High German), Brezn (in Bavaria and Austria), Bretzel (in Switzerland) or one of many similar names, based on the region.
Pretzels may be better than some fatty chips, but four out of five nutrition experts surveyed by Time say if you're trying to eat healthy, pretzels shouldn't be your go-to snack. Although pretzels are low-fat, they are also pretty paltry on the protein and fiber front, and they can be quite high in sodium and carbs.
What state eats the most pretzels? ›
Over time, the pretzel became a staple and an integral part of Pennsylvania's culture and economy. The state is now known as the pretzel capital of the world, with Pennsylvanians consuming a whopping 12 times more pretzels than the national average.
What's the difference between a pretzel and a soft pretzel? ›
Soft pretzels have a shorter baking time
Soft pretzels can usually be baked in 15 minutes; hard pretzels, meanwhile, must be baked for up to an hour. The longer baking time further dries out the pretzel. And, as we have discussed, the lack of moisture is what gives the hard pretzel its brittle texture.
What is the oldest pretzel bakery in the US? ›
About. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, founded in 1861, is the first commercial pretzel bakery in America; and the Sturgis Family is the oldest pretzel baking family in America.
Are soft pretzels a philly thing? ›
Homesick former Philadelphians even order pretzels to be shipped fresh overnight. Like scrapple, which is not consumed in anywhere near the same quantity, soft pretzels are a legacy of the region's Pennsylvania Dutch (Palatine Germans) who emigrated in the 1700s in search of religious freedom and fertile soil.
Are hard pretzels considered chips? ›
A pretzel is not even a chip. A pretzel is 100% a cracker. It is not a chip.
Are German pretzels soft or hard? ›
You may pick up on how the taste is different, as German soft pretzels are known for containing a thicker, denser, and chewier inside while having a slightly crispier outside. The main difference to note between the more “American-style” pretzels and German pretzels is an ingredient called lye.