Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzel features warm, soft pretzel dough generously topped with savory, thinly sliced pepperoni and melted cheese, delivering a flavorful blend of spicy, cheesy, and salty goodness in every bite.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Dough mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Pretzel dough cutter or knife
- Pretzel dipping/lye bath container
- Slotted spatula or skimmer
- Baking sheet/tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
- Cheese grater
- Cheese melter (optional)
- Tongs
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup baking soda (for water bath)
- 1 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Use warm water to activate the yeast properly, ensuring your pretzel dough rises perfectly. Measure baking soda accurately for the lye bath to achieve the traditional pretzel crust without any bitterness. Thinly sliced pepperoni cooks evenly on the pretzel, enhancing the spicy and savory flavor in each bite. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping that complements the dough and pepperoni. Your homemade Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzel delivers a delicious combination of soft pretzel dough, spicy pepperoni, and melted cheese just like the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- In mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and softened butter to bowl; mix to form dough.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes (by hand or mixer).
- Cover dough; let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and divide into equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a rope, then shape into traditional pretzel form.
- Prepare dipping bath: Dissolve baking soda in 8 cups of hot water in container.
- Dip each shaped pretzel into baking soda bath for 30 seconds using slotted spatula.
- Place pretzels on prepared baking sheet.
- Top each pretzel with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Evenly distribute sliced pepperoni on each pretzel.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and brush with melted butter.
- Transfer pretzels to cooling rack with tongs.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzel copycat combines warm, soft pretzel dough with thinly sliced pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a tasty mix of spicy and cheesy flavors. If thinly sliced pepperoni is unavailable, you can substitute with turkey pepperoni or even spicy salami to maintain the savory taste. When forming the pretzel dough, ensure the water temperature is between 105-110degF (40-43degC) to activate the yeast properly for optimal rise. Use coarse salt or pretzel salt to sprinkle on top for an authentic crunchy texture that elevates your pretzel's flavor. Your homemade cheese blend can be adjusted; mixing mozzarella with cheddar or provolone adds a richer, more complex taste.
Tips
Make sure the water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, ideally between 105degF and 110degF, to ensure proper fermentation without killing the yeast. Your pretzel dough should be kneaded until smooth and elastic, which typically takes around 5 to 7 minutes to develop the gluten necessary for a chewy texture. When dipping in the baking soda bath, maintain the water temperature around 110degF to 120degF to achieve the characteristic pretzel crust and avoid soggy results. Use a slotted spatula to handle pretzels gently after the dip and during baking to keep their shape intact and prevent cheese from sliding off.
Nutritions
Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzel offers a rich source of carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour, providing your body with energy. The pepperoni adds protein and fats, including saturated fats, while the mozzarella cheese contributes additional protein and calcium for bone health. Be mindful that the sodium content is relatively high due to the pepperoni, cheese, and salted dough, which can impact your daily sodium intake if consumed frequently. Your pretzel combines a flavorful experience with a combination of macronutrients that can fit into a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.
Storage
Store Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture and flavorful toppings. For longer storage, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, reheat your pretzels in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their warm, melty perfection.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a varied flavor profile. For a spicier twist, try adding sliced jalapenos or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. Instead of traditional pepperoni, consider using turkey pepperoni or vegan pepperoni slices to accommodate dietary preferences. Alternatively, baking the pretzels in a cast-iron skillet can create a crispier crust and more evenly melted cheese.
Allergies
Auntie Anne's Pepperoni Pretzel contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour) and dairy (unsalted butter and shredded mozzarella cheese). The inclusion of pepperoni introduces potential allergens like pork and various spices, which may cause reactions for sensitive individuals. You should be cautious if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or processed meats before consuming this product.
Why this recipe?
Pepperoni Pretzel from Auntie Anne's combines the savory flavor of seasoned pepperoni with the soft, freshly baked pretzel dough, creating a satisfying snack that appeals to both pretzel and pizza lovers. The perfect balance of melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and warm pretzel texture offers a unique taste experience you can't easily find elsewhere. Trying to make a copycat at home is worth it, as it allows you to customize the flavors to your preference while enjoying the fun process of baking. Your homemade version can capture the signature taste of Auntie Anne's, making it a rewarding and delicious project.