Are you looking for the perfect game day snack or a delicious appetizer for a gathering? Well, look no further than Buffalo Wild Wings-style pretzel knots.
These tasty bites are not only easy to make, but they also deliver that delightful combination of chewy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying flavor. Pair them with creamy cheese sauce or spicy mustard, and you’ve got a winner.
Why This Recipe is Great for You
Imagine serving these soft, buttery pretzel knots at your next party. The aroma fills the room, and when your guests take their first bite, you can see the delight on their faces.
This recipe brings together basic ingredients and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing snack. Besides, making them at home gives you total control over the ingredients, ensuring they’re fresh and free from artificial preservatives.
As someone who has dabbled in numerous kitchens, I can tell you, there is something special about homemade snacks. I once made these pretzel knots on a whim for a small gathering, and let’s just say: they disappeared faster than the latest streaming hit. People kept asking for the recipe, and that was when I realized I had stumbled upon a potential star of my repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these pretzel knots happen:
Dough Ingredients
- 3¾–4 cups (469–500g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus extra for your hands and work surface
- 1½ cups (360ml) warm water (you want it lukewarm, around 100°F/38°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (that’s about one standard packet)
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or white granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
Toppings
- Coarse sea salt, or additional toppings as noted
Baking Soda Bath
- 9 cups (2.13L) water
- ½ cup (120g) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for a gentle savory note)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but it does add a nice kick)
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Using a medium bowl, combine your warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should start seeing bubbles on the surface. If not, your yeast may not be active. This is the foundation of your pretzel knots, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3¾ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter and activated yeast mixture. Gradually blend the flour into the liquid until a dough starts to form. If the mixture feels too sticky, gradually add more flour.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn out the dough onto the surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic texture. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a sprinkle of flour.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to grab a drink or watch a quick episode of your favorite show!
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda. Be cautious; it could bubble up! This step is essential. The baking soda bath gives the pretzel knots that beautiful brown color and the classic pretzel flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Knots
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the dough out, punch it down, and divide it into smaller pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long. Twist into a knot or shape it the way you prefer.
Step 7: Simmer the Knots
Carefully drop the shaped knots into the boiling baking soda solution, one at a time, for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the knots with coarse sea salt or your choice of toppings. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to add it as well.
Step 9: Bake
Place the trays in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pretzel knots cool slightly before serving. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like cheese dip, mustard, or even some ranch dressing. You’ll want to watch them disappear as your guests devour them.
Recipe Notes
- All-Purpose Flour: This is a versatile choice that works well for pretzel dough. You can substitute it with bread flour for a chewy texture.
- Warm Water: This activates the yeast and helps create that beautiful rise. Make sure it’s not too hot, or you risk killing the yeast.
- Yeast: Instant yeast is a great option as it simplifies the process, but active dry yeast can be used as well—just ensure it’s properly activated.
- Salt: Don’t skip this ingredient; it enhances flavor and supports the yeast’s function.
- Toppings: Think outside the box! From garlic powder to everything bagel seasoning, there are endless ways to personalize your pretzel knots.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations:
- Cheesy Pretzel Knots: Before tying the knots, place a small piece of cheese in the center. My personal favorite is mozzarella for that gooey pull.
- Spicy Pretzel Knots: Add some diced jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs (like oregano or basil) into the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Sweet Version: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the knots before baking. Pair them with a sweet dipping sauce for a dessert treat.
Buffalo Wild Wings Pretzel Knots Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3¾ –4 cups 469–500g all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus extra for hands and work surface
- 1½ cups 360ml warm water (lukewarm, around 100°F/38°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons 7g instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 tablespoon 14g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Toppings: coarse sea salt or additional toppings as noted
- 9 cups 2.13L water
- ½ cup 120g baking soda
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for subtle savory notes
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional, to sprinkle on top for added flavor
Instructions
- Using a medium bowl, combine your warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should start seeing bubbles on the surface. If not, your yeast may not be active. This is the foundation of your pretzel knots, so don’t skip this step!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3¾ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter and activated yeast mixture. Gradually blend the flour into the liquid until a dough starts to form. If the mixture feels too sticky, gradually add more flour.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Turn out the dough onto the surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic texture. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a sprinkle of flour.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to grab a drink or watch a quick episode of your favorite show!
- In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda. Be cautious; it could bubble up! This step is essential. The baking soda bath gives the pretzel knots that beautiful brown color and the classic pretzel flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the dough out, punch it down, and divide it into smaller pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long. Twist into a knot or shape it the way you prefer.
- Carefully drop the shaped knots into the boiling baking soda solution, one at a time, for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle the knots with coarse sea salt or your choice of toppings. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, now’s the time to add it as well.
- Place the trays in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Let the pretzel knots cool slightly before serving. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like cheese dip, mustard, or even some ranch dressing. You’ll want to watch them disappear as your guests devour them.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making Buffalo Wild Wings-style pretzel knots is not just about preparing a dish; it’s about creating an experience. The aroma, the gentle texture, and the flavor all come together in a way that makes any gathering special. Whether you’re serving them at a party, game day, or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious, these pretzel knots will not disappoint.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start creating something that will leave your friends begging for the recipe. Just remember, sharing is caring—but with these pretzel knots, you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
