Pletzel Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Pletzel Ingredients

Pletzel Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
  2. Add the bread flour, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, honey, and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough is rising, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the poppy seeds, caraway seeds, black pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme leaves (if using). Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your hands to stretch and press the dough into a large, even rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Drizzle a little olive oil over the surface of the dough and use your fingers to dimple it all over.
  8. Evenly spread the prepared onion mixture over the top of the dough, pressing it gently into the surface.
  9. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the onion topping.
  10. Let the assembled pletzel rest for 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  11. Bake the pletzel in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is caramelized.
  12. Remove the pletzel from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Estimated Calories: 180, Servings: 12

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About Pletzel Recipe

Pletzel is a beloved Ashkenazi Jewish bread, known for its deliciously crisp crust and savory onion-poppy seed topping. This authentic recipe is cherished for its simple ingredients and easy preparation, making it perfect for anyone looking to recreate a taste of tradition at home. If you're searching for the best homemade bread that's both quick and tasty, learning how to make Pletzel is a must. The combination of onions and poppy seeds creates a unique flavor that stands out among other breads, and with a few helpful tips, you can achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.
One of the best things about this Ashkenazi Jewish recipe is how accessible it is, even for beginner bakers. The ingredients are basic-flour, yeast, water, onions, and poppy seeds-yet the result is a delicious, flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a snack on its own. If you're wondering how to make Pletzel, you'll be pleased to know that the process is quick and straightforward. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade treat that's both authentic and satisfying.
For the perfect Pletzel, be sure to follow some key tips: use fresh onions for the topping, don't skimp on the poppy seeds, and allow the dough to rise properly for the best texture. This easy recipe is ideal for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're new to Ashkenazi Jewish baking or looking to perfect your technique, this Pletzel recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the joy of making a traditional bread that's as simple as it is satisfying.

Pletzel Story

So, I remember the first time I brought my version of this dish to a potluck. You know how you walk in, feeling like you have just delivered the best thing since sliced bread? I was strutting in, thinking, "This is going to be the hit of the night." Then my friend Larry takes one bite, pauses, and says, "Wow, this is... interesting." Now, "interesting" is never a good sign. That is the word people use when they do not want to hurt your feelings but also do not want to go back for seconds. I mean, if you want to see someone try to be polite and honest at the same time, just watch them eat something they did not expect.
But here is the twist. Later that night, Larry comes back for more. He says, "You know, I was not sure at first, but this is actually pretty delicious. And it feels healthy, too!" I am thinking, "Healthy? Buddy, you just ate three slices. At this point, it is just commitment." He asks for the recipe, and I am like, "Sure, but it is so easy and quick, you will have to find a new excuse for being late to dinner." It is funny how people can go from skeptical to superfan in the time it takes to refill their plate. I guess the best way to win someone over is to let them think it was their idea all along.
That whole interaction stuck with me. It is a great reminder that sometimes the things you least expect to impress people end up being the biggest hits. I mean, who knew that something so fast to make could spark such a rollercoaster of emotions? Now, every time I make it, I think of Larry's face-first confused, then delighted, then slightly ashamed at how much he ate. If that is not the mark of a good dish, I do not know what is. Maybe next time I will just call it "Larry's Favorite" and see how quick everyone lines up.

Pletzel Pairings

You know, when it comes to flavors, Ashkenazi Jewish food is like your grandma's closet: you never know if you're getting something sweet, savory, or just a little bit of both. The best part is, you can always count on a good onion to show up and crash the party. I mean, onions are the life of the Ashkenazi flavor recipe-if you don't like onions, you're basically banned from the family reunion. And let's be honest, nothing says "delicious" like a food that makes you cry before you even eat it. It's a quick way to get your emotions out before you stuff your face.
Now, if you're looking for a side to go with your meal, you can't go wrong with a big bowl of pickles. I'm convinced that Ashkenazi Jews invented pickles just so they could have something crunchy to argue over at the table. It's the best way to add a little zing to your plate and a great excuse to avoid eating anything green that isn't brined within an inch of its life. Plus, pickles are healthy, right? I mean, they're technically vegetables, and if you eat enough of them, you'll be hydrated for at least a week. That's my kind of easy health recipe-just add vinegar and wait.
And let's talk drinks. You ever notice how every Jewish gathering has a bottle of seltzer on the table? It's like the official beverage of people who want to feel fancy but are also on a budget. Seltzer is the fast track to making any meal feel like a celebration, even if it's just Tuesday night and you're eating leftovers. It's a good, easy way to wash down all that delicious, oniony goodness, and if you spill it, hey, it's just water with bubbles. No harm, no foul-unless you're wearing your best shirt, in which case, mazel tov, you've just started a new fashion trend!

Pletzel History

You know, the cultural origins of pletzel are a great example of how Ashkenazi Jews took whatever was available and said, "Let's make this into something delicious, and if it's not, at least it's easy to pronounce!" I mean, pletzel sounds like the name of your neighbor who always borrows your lawnmower, but it's actually a recipe that's been around for generations. It's a good reminder that when you're wandering Eastern Europe with nothing but a dream and a bag of flour, you get creative. The best part? It's a healthy way to bond with your ancestors, because nothing says "family" like arguing over who makes it the right way.
Now, let's talk about how the recipe evolved. You know a dish is old when your grandma says, "My grandma made it this way, and her grandma made it this way, and if you change it, you're out of the will." But over time, people started making pletzel with whatever they had lying around. Some folks went for a quick and easy version, others tried to make it fast and fancy. Suddenly, you've got pletzel with toppings that would make your ancestors roll over in their graves-"Sun-dried tomatoes? On my pletzel? What's next, avocado toast at the seder?" But hey, that's the beauty of evolution: it's a good excuse to try something new and pretend it's tradition.
Regional adaptations are where things get really interesting. You travel from one shtetl to another, and everyone swears their pletzel is the best. In one town, it's thin and crispy, in another, it's thick enough to use as a doorstop. Some places go heavy on the onions, others keep it light-because nothing says "I love you" like a delicious, oniony breath. And let's be honest, the only thing faster than a pletzel disappearing at a family gathering is the speed at which everyone blames each other for the last piece. It's a good thing pletzel is so easy to make, because you'll need a quick batch for the next round of family feuding!

Pletzel Tips

If you're looking for the best way to impress your bubbe, nothing says "I love you" like a homemade Pletzel. This classic Ashkenazi Jewish recipe is basically what happens when a bagel and a pizza have a delicious, carb-loaded baby. The secret to a perfect Pletzel? It's all about the dough-don't rush it! You want it fluffy, not as dense as your cousin's opinions at Passover. For a quick and easy version, let the dough rise in a warm spot-like the top of your Wi-Fi router. That's what I call a modern Ashkenazi Jewish kitchen hack.
When it comes to toppings, don't be shy with the onions and poppy seeds. The more, the tastier! If you're wondering how to make your Pletzel recipe stand out, caramelize those onions until they're golden and sweet. Trust me, it's the difference between "meh" and "wow, who made this?" For the best results, use fresh ingredients-no one wants a Pletzel that tastes like it's been sitting in the synagogue since last Yom Kippur.
Here's a tip: brush the dough with a little oil before adding your toppings. It helps everything stick and gives you that authentic, bakery-style shine. Want to make it even more delicious? Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top before baking. That's how you turn a simple, easy recipe into a tasty masterpiece. And if anyone asks for your secret, just say it's centuries of Ashkenazi Jewish wisdom-and maybe a little help from the internet.