Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 cups water for baking soda bath
  • .5 cup baking soda for baking soda bath
  • 2 cups crushed potato chips (your favorite flavor, preferably salty varieties like classic or sour cream and onion)
  • (Optional) coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring water to boil over high heat then carefully stir in baking soda (it will bubble up). Reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces (about 16 equal portions). Roll each piece into long ropes 12 inches long then twist them into classic pretzel shapes.
  6. Using a slotted spatula or spoon, carefully drop each pretzel into boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds on each side.
  7. Remove from bath and place onto parchment-lined baking sheets while still hot. Immediately coat them generously with crushed potato chips pressing gently so they stick well.
  8. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt if desired then bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Allow pretzels to cool slightly on racks before serving warm as an appetizer or snack!