A pretzel is a type of baked bread product, typically made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt. It is known for its distinctive knot shape and dark brown, crispy exterior, which is achieved by boiling the dough in a baking soda solution before baking. Pretzels can be enjoyed soft or hard, with soft pretzels being chewy and often served warm, while hard pretzels are crunchy and can be found in various flavors. Pretzels originated in Europe, particularly in Germany, where they are a popular snack. They are often enjoyed with mustard or cheese dips and are commonly found at fairs, sporting events, and street vendors. In addition to their traditional forms, pretzels can also be made into various shapes and sizes, including pretzel bites and pretzel sticks.