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Gluten Free Pretzels

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Prepare to make these delicious Gluten Free Pretzels with a unique pretzel twist in this easy-to-follow recipe. These gluten-free soft pretzels are perfect for those who follow a wheat free or low-carb diet, ensuring a tasty treat without compromising texture. Say goodbye to gluten without sacrificing the joy of indulging in a warm and satisfying pretzel experience.

Pretzels with sesame seeds on a wooden plate.
Pretzels with sesame seeds on a wooden plate.

These soft pretzels are perfect for homemade dips like cheese dips, guacamole, or ranch dressing. You can pair it with a hot chocolate or morning coffee for a perfectly balanced breakfast.

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Why You Will Love This Gluten Free Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Goodness – whether on a gluten-free diet or just looking for a healthier alternative, these pretzels have your back. No gluten, no problem.
  • Homemade Happiness – there is something special about making your snacks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these pretzels that beats any store-bought version.
  • Versatile Snacking – can’t wait to try pretzels as a snack? From movie nights to picnics, these pretzels are the ultimate snacking companion. Dip them in your favorite sauce or enjoy them solo – the choice is yours.
  • Clean Eating Approved – I’m so glad these pretzels are a guilt-free delight for those on a clean eating journey. Simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.

Best Baked Recipes

I have made a few baked recipes here on this site as I promote clean eating, and these recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free.

If you want a different take on your usual morning toast, this brioche french toast casserole is perfect for you, and you can even share it with the whole family. Our French toast casserole is made from our protein bread loaf with an excellent protein content, perfect for your healthy lifestyle.

Try our rhubarb dump cake, which is perfect for special occasions or as a cake snack. I also made a gluten-free bundt cake using almond gluten-free flour.

Pretzels with sesame seeds on a white plate.
Pretzels with sesame seeds on a white plate.

Gluten-Free Dough

Making a gluten-free dough is both easy and rewarding, as you can see the beautiful result later on after baking. It involves using alternative flours and ingredients that have no gluten. 

While it may have a slightly different texture and handling compared to the regular dough, following a few simple tips, like working with sticky dough and using the suitable substitutes, can help make the process straightforward.

Almond Flour Uses

Almond flour is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes and recipes. In my baking sessions, I always use almond flour as it is the perfect choice for baking and adds a nutty flavor to my baked recipes.

Here are some common uses for almond flour:

  • Baking
  • Coating for Meats and Vegetables
  • Gluten-Free Breads and Pizza Crusts
  • Thickening Agent
  • For Pancakes and Waffles
  • Macarons
A white tray with pretzels on it.
A white tray with pretzels on it.

How To Make the Best Homemade Gluten Free Soft Pretzels

Let us jump into full instructions with steps for making these easy gluten-free soft pretzels. You don’t have to worry if you are not a baker. If you are all prepared, everything will turn out well if you follow my steps.

I recommend using almond flour for this recipe, and you can make it at home by grinding soaked almonds or activated almonds.

Kitchen Gadgets:

  • Non-Stick Cooking Pot
  • Spatula
  • Parchment Paper or Baking Sheet
  • Baking Brush

Ingredients:

  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – the secret to the pretzel’s chewy texture. Look for low-moisture shredded mozzarella for the best results.
  • Almond flour – this gluten free baking flour substitute adds a nutty richness to your pretzels. You can find almond flour in most grocery stores or make your own by finely grinding almonds instead of using high-carb flour like tapioca flour or rice flour.
  • Eggs – provide a shiny, golden finish to your pretzels.
  • Salt Crystals – for an extra texture on your pretzels. Coarse sea salt works wonders for the finishing touch.
  • Sesame Seeds – will serve as the topping for your pretzels and add an exciting texture.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR GLUTEN FREE PRETZELS

Making these gluten free pretzels is one of the easiest bread recipes I have ever done in my best clean eating blog. I have prepared a guide with simple steps for making this recipe at home. 

First Step: Prepare All The Ingredients

Prepare all of the ingredients needed and separate them all in advance. Since you mostly need dry ingredients, it is better to prepare them first.

While preparing your ingredients, you can also start preheating your oven to 200 Celsius or 400 Fahrenheit.

The ingredients for gluten free pretzels.
The ingredients for gluten free pretzels.

Second Step: Make Your Dough

Making pretzel dough is very simple because it is not the usual dough-making that we do where we just combine everything while spinning in a stand mixer.

The first thing to do is to melt the cheese on a stove for a better result than in the microwave. For this recipe, I am not using any yeast.

Once the cheese has melted completely, add the almond flour and the egg. Mix until the flour blends in with the cheese, and you get a smooth dough consistency.

A series of photos showing how to make gluten free dough.
Photos showing how to make gluten free dough.

Third Step: Knead And Work The Dough

After thoroughly mixing the dough, let it cool for a few minutes, work the dough, and knead with your bare hands.

Prepare a parchment paper or silicone sheet for the dough and start kneading. This process may take up to 10 minutes to combine to form a smooth consistency and soft dough. Knead the dough until smooth.

How to make a dough ball.
How to make a dough ball.

Fourth Step: Portion

Once you have achieved the perfect dough, portion it depending on what size or how many pretzels you make. For this recipe, I divided it into eight equal pieces to get medium-sized pretzel pieces.

If you want a bigger bread dough or buns, you can divide them into 4 or 6 pieces. For mini pretzel bites, you can do 16 pieces.

A piece of dough is cut into four pieces on a wooden board.
Dough cut into four pieces.

Fifth Step: Roll And Shape

After dividing the dough into your desired size and amount, take each one of them and roll out the dough into a thinner log on a silicone or baking sheet.

If you are familiar with the shape of a pretzel, it will be easy for you to form one, but if you need more clarification, you can follow the video I made for you. Follow my way of shaping the pretzels, and you are good to go. It does not have to be perfect if it looks like a pretzel.

Gently transfer the shaped pretzels onto a lightly floured surface with parchment paper.

How to make a pretzel on a cutting board.
How to make a pretzel on a cutting board.

Sixth Step: Egg Wash

Just like any other bread recipe, egg wash is essential for this specific recipe as it will give our pretzel a golden finish. Whisk an egg in a small bowl, get a baking brush, and brush each pretzel.

Spreading egg wash on pretzel.
Spreading egg wash on pretzel.

Seventh Step: Add Toppings

Add any toppings of your choice. It could be anything you want, but in my preference, I am using not more than one tablespoon of crystal salt and sesame seeds. Sprinkle on top of the pretzels generously before baking.

Bake the pretzels for at least 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and deliciously soft.

Two pictures showing how to make pretzels.
How to make pretzels.

TRICKS AND TIPS:

  • Baking soda – you can use baking soda or do a baking soda bath for the dough, as it can help achieve a perfect golden baked pretzel during baking.
  • Xanthan gum – if you want your classic pretzel shapes to have a little elasticity, you can use Xanthan gum.
  • Toppings and flavors – get creative with flavor variations. Add herbs, spices, granulated garlic or cheese to the dough for an extra kick. Pretzels are versatile, so playing around with different combinations is fine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is A Stand Mixer Okay For Mixing The Dough?

A stand mixer is perfectly okay for mixing gluten-free dough, including gluten-free soft pretzels. Using a stand mixer can make the process more convenient and efficient.

Homemade Pretzels Butter Substitution?

You can make homemade pretzels with melted butter but also without. While butter is a common ingredient in pretzel recipes, there are alternative options that can fit your dietary preferences or restrictions, especially if you want to do dairy-free recipes only. And as you can see, our recipe is pretzels without butter at all.

Some of those alternatives are:

  • Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Egg Wash
  • Non-dairy Butter

What to Serve With Gluten-Free Pretzels?

You can serve your gluten-free pretzels with a simple mustard dipping sauce or enchilada sauce for a classic and tangy flavor perfect for those soft treats. If you have any cheese in your pantry, melt it in the microwave, and you have an instant dipping sauce for your pretzels. Adding them as a side dish to a vegetable soup is just as perfect. 

For a healthier twist, pair your pretzels with creamy hummus. It is undoubtedly a match made in snacking heaven. 

If you have a sweet tooth, try dusting your pretzels with cinnamon, cranberry powder and sugar for a sweet and savory perfection.

Pretzels with sesame seeds.
Pretzels with sesame seeds.

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels?

For storing your pretzels, you can place them in an airtight container. A plastic or glass container with a secure lid works well. This helps maintain the pretzels’ softness and prevents them from drying out.

If you do not plan to eat all the pretzels at once, consider individually wrapping them in plastic wrap or parchment paper, as this prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab one or two as needed.

Can I Freeze Pretzels?

Yes, as gluten free soft pretzels freeze well. Wrap each in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring all the air is removed. Label the container with the date for reference.

You May Also Like

If you want more of our baked recipes, we have savory dishes that will complete your dining table for the Holidays. Try our baked cheesy crack chicken casserole and tasty chicken roll-ups that will make an excellent substitution for traditional roasted turkeys.

For a healthier rice alternative, go for our baked cauliflower rice, and to satisfy your snacking time, try making these baked radish chips that will surely make you want more.

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Gluten - free pretzels in a basket on the grass.
Gluten – free pretzels in a basket on the grass.

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Pretzels with sesame seeds on a wooden plate.

Gluten Free Pretzels

Zuzana Paar
5 from 6 votes
Prepare to make these delicious Gluten Free Pretzels with a unique pretzel twist in this easy-to-follow recipe. These gluten-free soft pretzels are perfect for those who follow a wheat free or low-carb diet, ensuring a tasty treat without compromising texture. Say goodbye to gluten without sacrificing the joy of indulging in a warm and satisfying pretzel experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine International
Servings 8
Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all of the ingredients needed and separate them all in advance. Start preheating your oven to 200 Celsius or 400 Fahrenheit.
  • The first thing to do is to melt the cheese on a stove for a better result than in the microwave. Once the cheese has melted completely, add the almond flour and the egg. Mix until the flour blends in with the cheese, and you get a smooth dough consistency.
  • After thoroughly mixing the dough, let it cool for a few minutes, work the dough, and knead with your bare hands. This process may take up to 10 minutes to combine to form a smooth consistency and soft dough.
  • Once you have achieved the perfect dough, portion it depending on what size or how many pretzels you make. For this recipe, I divided it into eight equal pieces to get medium-sized pretzel pieces.
  • After dividing the dough into your desired size and amount, take each one of them and roll out the dough into a thinner log on a silicone or baking sheet. If you are familiar with the shape of a pretzel, it will be easy for you to form one, but if you need more clarification, you can follow the video I made for you. Gently transfer the shaped pretzels onto a lightly floured surface with parchment paper.
  • Whisk an egg in a small bowl, get a baking brush, and brush each pretzel.
  • Add any toppings of your choice. I am using not more than one tablespoon of crystal salt and sesame seeds. Sprinkle on top of the pretzels generously before baking. Bake the pretzels for at least 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and deliciously soft.

Video

Notes

  • Baking soda – you can use baking soda or do a baking soda bath for the dough, as it can help achieve a perfect golden baked pretzel during baking.
  • Xanthan gum – if you want your classic pretzel shapes to have a little elasticity, you can use Xanthan gum.
  • Toppings and flavors – get creative with flavor variations. Add herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough for an extra kick. Pretzels are versatile, so playing around with different combinations is fine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 191mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 249IUCalcium: 177mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Bread Recipes

Taste the goodness of clean eating with our collection of simple and delicious bread recipes. Whether it’s hearty loaves or savory flatbreads, these recipes are made with wholesome ingredients for a delightful and nutritious treat. Enjoy your clean eating journey with the homemade goodness of our clean eating bread recipes.

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By Zuzana Paar on January 13th, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force and mastermind behind this scrumptious clean eating heaven. She will guide you on this delicious journey as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, movie maker, blogger, and photographer. With her diverse skills she is dedicated to sharing delicious, healthy recipes and helpful tips with readers.

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2 Comments on “Gluten Free Pretzels”

  1. 5 stars
    My mother-in-law has recently had to adopt a gluten-free diet, and she absolutely LOVES all things bread. I thought this would be a fun baking project to make these pretzels with my nieces for her. We followed the recipe exactly, and they turned out great. Even the gluten-lovers loved them!

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