"Coarse Pretzel M Salt 101: More Than Just a Garnish"

When we think of pretzels, we instantly visualize the twisted dough shapes with coarse salt sprinkled on top. But did you know that coarse pretzel salt has much more to offer than just a garnish on your baked goods? In this post, we'll take you through everything you need to know about coarse pretzel salt, from its texture, benefits, and ways to use it, to recipe ideas that will make you want to stock up on this versatile ingredient.

MedleyHillsFarm Pretzel Salt benefits go beyond just adding texture and flavor to your food. Coarse pretzel salt is also rich in essential minerals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are critical to maintaining healthy electrolyte levels and promoting optimal body function.

Now that we've established the goodness of pretzel salt, let's dive into the ways you can use it to elevate your baked goods. One way is to sprinkle it on top of your homemade pretzels, bread, or bagels before baking. But that's just scratching the surface. You can also use pretzel salt as a finishing touch on savory dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or soups to add a crunchy texture and salty kick.

1. As a Topping for Baked Goods

Pretzel salt is larger than regular table salt and has a flaky texture that adds a touch of crunchiness to baked goods. You may often see pretzel salt sprinkled over pretzels, but it can also be used to top other baked goods such as bread, biscuits, bagels, or focaccia. Simply brush a beaten egg onto the dough before baking and sprinkle pretzel salt all over the surface of the dough. The salty flavor and crunchy texture will add an elegant and unique flair to your baked creations.

2. Top Dinner Rolls - Brush a bit of melted butter on top of dinner rolls and sprinkle pretzel salt over the top before baking.

3. Season Bagels - Add to the top of everything bagels for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with cream cheese.

4. In Savory Dishes

Aside from toppings, pretzel salt can also be incorporated into savory dishes. You can add a pinch to sliced potatoes or roasted vegetables for extra crunch and flavor. Alternatively, pretzel salt can be used to season chicken or fish in place of regular table salt, adding a tasty and unexpected twist to your dishes.

In salad dressings: Whip up a quick vinaigrette by blending olive oil, vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and a pinch of coarse pretzel salt for a tangy and salty dressing.

- In roasted nuts: Toss your favorite nuts with some melted butter, honey, and a sprinkle of pretzel salt before roasting them in the oven for a savory snack.

5. In Pretzel Making

Of course, pretzel salt is also a critical component of making pretzels. Traditional pretzels are boiled in a baking soda solution before being baked to achieve the iconic brown color and distinctive flavor. After boiling, pretzels are generously sprinkled with pretzel salt before baking. This kind of salt is particularly well-suited for pretzels because of its large size and coarse texture, which help to create a desirable level of crunchiness that complements the dense pretzel dough.

6. Recipe Ideas

If you're looking for new ways to incorporate pretzel salt into your baking, here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

- Pretzel Salt and Caramel Brownies: sprinkle a layer on top of your favorite brownie recipe before baking, and drizzle with caramel sauce after they are baked.

- Bagels with Pretzel Salt and Everything Bagel Seasoning: top your bagels with a mixture of pretzel salt and everything bagel seasoning before baking.

- Pretzel Salt Focaccia: brush olive oil over your focaccia dough, sprinkle with pretzel salt and fresh rosemary. Bake until golden brown.

- Add it to Artisan Bread - Sprinkle on top of artisan bread before baking for a flavorful and crunchy finish.

- In homemade salted caramel sauce: Instead of using regular sea salt, add a pinch of pretzel salt to your caramel sauce for a delicious twist.

- Use it in Granola - Add to your homemade granola for a sweet and salty snack.

Another exciting way to use pretzel salt is to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can infuse it with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a savory twist or mix it with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for a sweet and salty treat.

Pretzel salt is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your baked goods and savory dishes. Its coarse and mineral-rich benefits make it more than just a garnish. Experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations to discover its full potential. Stock up on coarse pretzel salt and let your culinary creativity run wild.