How to Make a GIANT Pretzel

Making an extra-big pretzel to fuel extra-big adventures make seem tricky, but don't worry, it's KNOT as hard as it looks!

Charity Mathews

Can a single pretzel feed a crowd? The answer is yes … when you supersize it! The ginormous good times happening at Disney's Mickey & Friends X CAMP: An Extra Big Adventure got us wondering: What if you could make a pretzel the size of your whole face?

This recipe makes one positively massive pretzel, following the traditional method of dipping uncooked dough in a bath of warm water and baking soda. (That’s where you get that super shine!) Twisting a pretzel is easier than you think — but guess what? Pretzels in the shape of your family’s monogram can be delicious too. Check out the tips below for ways to get kids involved in creating the hugest pretzel ever!

Kids' Jobs

Measuring and mixing dry ingredients.

Kneading pretzel dought (Little arms usually enjoy kneading for a minute or two, so consider switching off with more than one helper.)

Rolling dough into “snakes.”

Brushing melted butter on top and sprinkling with salt.

Ingredients

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 teaspoon white sugar

3/4 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup white sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon canola oil, plus more for the rising bowl

1/4 cup baking soda

2 cups hot water

1-2 tablespoons coarse salt

Butter for melting and topping

Instructions

1. Proof yeast. In a large liquid measuring cup, combine yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar. Add 3/4 cup warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar and salt. Make a well in the center; add the yeast mixture and canola oil. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two more tablespoons of water.

3. Knead. Work the dough, folding in half and pressing down, rotating and repeating, until smooth. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes.

4. Rise. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Prepare to bake. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Dip. Meanwhile, pour 2 cups of hot water into a large bowl and add baking soda. Stir until dissolved. When the dough has risen, flip it onto a lightly floured surface and roll the dough into a long rope. Dip your pretzel into the baking soda-hot water solution.

7. Twist. Transfer your dough rope to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and form a U shape with dough. Twist the ends together twice, then pull the twisted ends up, back, and over the top of the U, so that you've formed a classic pretzel shape. (Or you can form the dough into any letter or shape you like!)