Introduction

If you’re following a Keto diet and miss the soft, chewy indulgence of traditional pretzels, this Keto Soft Pretzels recipe is the perfect solution. These pretzels are not only soft and chewy, but they’re also made with keto-friendly ingredients, so you can satisfy your carb cravings without compromising your health goals. The base of these soft pretzels uses almond flour and mozzarella cheese, creating a texture that’s strikingly similar to regular pretzels. You can enjoy these warm, salty treats without worrying about raising your carb intake.

These Keto Soft Pretzels are perfect for a variety of occasions: whether you need a snack to curb your hunger, a side dish to serve at a party, or a way to enjoy your favorite comfort food while maintaining your low-carb lifestyle. What’s more, these pretzels are incredibly customizable. You can make them as salty or cheesy as you like, add garlic for extra flavor, or dip them in a homemade keto-friendly cheese sauce. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also easy to prepare, making them a fantastic addition to your keto or low-carb meal plans.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these Keto Soft Pretzels: from ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and even tips on how to make these pretzels fit seamlessly into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan.

Why Keto Soft Pretzels?

Traditional pretzels are made with flour, which is high in carbs and incompatible with a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. However, with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can recreate the chewy, satisfying texture of a pretzel without all the carbs. By using almond flour and mozzarella cheese, you get the perfect dough that is soft, pliable, and chewy while staying within your carb limits.

Moreover, this recipe allows you to enjoy a familiar and comforting snack without worrying about overindulgence in carbs, making it the perfect solution for anyone craving a snack on a keto diet. These Keto Soft Pretzels are not only low-carb but are also gluten-free, dairy-rich, and versatile.

Ingredients

This Keto Soft Pretzels recipe makes 8 pretzels, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

For the Pretzel Dough:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    Mozzarella cheese is the foundation of this dough, giving it a chewy, bread-like texture while staying low in carbs.
  • 2 oz cream cheese
    Cream cheese adds richness and moisture to the dough, helping to bind everything together and giving it that soft, tender texture.
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
    Almond flour is the low-carb substitute for traditional flour and provides a great base for these pretzels.
  • 2 large eggs
    Eggs act as a binder, helping the dough come together and giving it structure.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    Baking powder helps the dough rise, ensuring the pretzels have a light and fluffy texture inside.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the dough and balances the richness of the cheese and cream cheese.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
    Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the dough, taking these pretzels to the next level.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
    Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the pretzels.

For the Pretzel Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    Butter adds richness and a golden color to the pretzels when brushed over them before baking.
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
    Coarse salt adds the signature salty flavor of a traditional pretzel and gives it that satisfying crunch.

For Boiling (optional but recommended):

  • 4 cups water
    Boiling the pretzels helps create a chewy exterior that is characteristic of traditional soft pretzels.
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
    Baking soda helps the pretzels develop their signature golden-brown crust when boiled before baking.

Nutritional Information (per pretzel, assuming 8 servings):

  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Sodium: 500mg

Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints:

  • Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints per pretzel
  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per pretzel
  • Purple Plan: 4 SmartPoints per pretzel

(Note: SmartPoints values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands used. Be sure to check your ingredients for the most accurate points.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that the pretzels do not stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Start by combining the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cheeses together for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until they’re melted and smooth when stirred. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir to combine the cheeses into a single, homogenous mixture.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder and paprika. Mix the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution. Then, add the melted cheese mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture with a spatula until it starts to come together into a dough.

At this point, the dough might seem a bit sticky, but that’s normal. If necessary, use your hands to knead the dough until it is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. You may want to use a little bit of almond flour on your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzels

Once your dough is smooth, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Once all the ropes are ready, shape them into pretzel forms by crossing the ends over each other and then twisting the dough to form a classic pretzel shape.

If you prefer, you can create a more rustic, twisted pretzel shape, or even make smaller pretzel bites by cutting the dough into 1-2 inch pieces.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzels (Optional)

For the best texture, we recommend boiling the pretzels briefly before baking. To do this, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the pretzels into the water, cooking 2 at a time for about 30 seconds per pretzel. This step helps develop a chewy exterior and gives the pretzels that signature soft-crust texture.

After boiling, remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Pretzels

Brush the tops of the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt. This will give the pretzels a rich flavor and a crisp, golden finish. Place the pretzels in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the tops are slightly crisp.

If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can bake them for a little less time. For a firmer, crunchier pretzel, bake them for an extra minute or two.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the pretzels are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool and are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces, like mustard, cheese, or even a homemade keto ranch dressing.

Step 7: Storage and Meal Prep

These Keto Soft Pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re heated through.

Tips for Success:

  • Make Them Extra Cheesy: For a more indulgent flavor, you can fold in shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese into the dough for an extra cheesy pretzel experience.
  • Add More Flavor: Experiment with spices like onion powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs to change up the flavor of the pretzels.
  • Perfect Texture: Boiling the pretzels before baking is optional, but it really does make a huge difference in the texture and creates that perfect chewy crust.
  • Customize the Coating: In addition to sea salt, you can try topping your pretzels with garlic powder, cinnamon (for a sweeter version), or even some keto-friendly cheese for a cheesy crust.

Conclusion

These Keto Soft Pretzels are a game-changer for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. They offer all the comfort of traditional soft pretzels without the carbs, making them a perfect option for anyone looking to satisfy a snack craving while staying on track with their health goals. With a soft, chewy texture and customizable toppings, these pretzels will be a hit at your next gathering, meal prep session, or movie night. They’re incredibly easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a keto-friendly snack that’s just as delicious as the real thing.

Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them to friends and family, these Keto Soft Pretzels are sure to impress. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how close they come to the traditional, high-carb pretzel, all while staying completely guilt-free and keto-approved!