Whether you enjoy them crisp and salty or soft, warm and salty, pretzels are a hit at any party. There is some debate on where exactly pretzels were invented, but everyone seems to agree that they were developed by monks. Most researchers agree that they were treats given to children who learned their prayers. Now, that’s incentive, but can you enjoy a keto pretzel?
Before the The Keto Pretzel
Dutch immigrants in Pennsylvania introduced pretzels to North America in the 19th century. National Day Calendar offers some fun facts about pretzels that highlight how important the pretzel industry is to that area of America. The average Philadelphian eats 12 times as many pretzels as the national average. Pennsylvania makes 80% of the pretzels produced in the States. And in case you don’t think that’s important, the pretzel industry is worth over $55 million in the United States!
But, wait, why are we talking pretzels on a keto website? Are there keto-friendly pretzel options? Why, yes there are! If you search online, you will find many options. Our favourite builds on the Fat Head dough recipe. Here it is for your enjoyment!
Keto Pretzel
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 oz. Cream Cheese
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 cups Almond Flour
- 1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Pink Himalayan Salt
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond flour and baking powder.
3. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Melt the cheese in 20 second intervals, stirring between each time.
4. Add the cheese and eggs to the almond flour mixture. Mix until fully combined. The dough will be quite sticky.
5. Oil your hands with olive oil or butter and divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into long cylinder shapes. Shape the long “ropes” into a pretzel shape. You can also cut the “ropes” into ¾ inch wide pieces if you’d rather have pretzel bites.
6. Place onto baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Put an egg into a bowl and whisk. Brush the top of the pretzel (or bites) with the egg. Top them with the salt.
8. Bake for 12 minutes. Put on a low broil for 2 minutes to create a crispier coating. Watch carefully to ensure they do not burn. The finished pretzels should be a dark, golden brown.
Makes 8 pretzels or about 72 pretzel bites | Per Serving = 81% fat, 4% carbs, 23% protein
If you want to really up your game, make some cheese sauce to dip them in. I’m dreaming about these little goodies already. Enjoy pretzel day!
Wendy
