Every New Yorker Knows: The 9 Best Types of Pretzels

Is there any more underrated food item than the pretzel? It is so simple to make, just a few ingredients (you might have them at your house) and they come in so many different styles. Please know, I am not about to start making pretzels at home, especially when they are an excuse to go out and get them.

Another excuse, mark your calendar, this is a good one, National Pretzel Day, April 26. If you were to have a conversation about which kind of pretzel is the best kind of pretzel, would that first question be "Hard or Soft Pretzels?" In my mind, there is a time and a place for both.

Which type of pretzel is the best type of pretzel?

Let's divide this discussion into two parts. Every New Yorker knows that this can be a heated debate and broken down into two parts. Those parts being soft pretzels and hard pretzels. Soft can be ones that have come just out of the oven, the ones at the ball game, or even your favorite pub. The hard ones are crunchy and can some in stick form, traditional pretzel form and can even be dipped in chocolate or caramel.

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Let's Discuss Soft Pretzels, What Do You Think?

Should we pick just one? Here are a few of the types of soft pretzel you will come across on a regular basis:

• The gigantic ones that you get at the pub, like the one in the picture above. Yes, those are awesome.
• The ones that are the size of the ones at Auntie Anne's, to this day, I get nervous that I won't be able to shop at the mall without getting one of these. These pretzels alone are the reason that I eat before I go to the mall now.
• The ones the size of a softball. Great size and I can eat two of these without feeling too guilty.
• How about the pretzel bun? Hot dog and hamburger or sandwich-style? Why are these not available all year? Aldi, I am speaking to you!

Are you on team hard pretzel? Are those the best kinds of pretzel?

If you are on team hard pretzel, there are some mighty fine choices to be had on this team as well. Here are just a few, are any of them your favorite?

• The traditional handshake style. These are perfect when you have people coming over and you want an alternative to a chip to dip in your guac. Also, the preferred snack for people who attend beer festivals, because you can make a necklace from them and eat them during the beer festival. Because it is a necklace, the festival people can't say no to you bringing in food.
• The long, Lincoln Log-like, pretzel rods. These are my favorite when they have been dipped in chocolate or some type of sweet coating. The whole sweet and salty vibe. Yet at the same time, you can feel like you are eating a 'healthy dessert.'
• The skinny small pretzel stick? Perfect for the kids' lunch and small hands.
• The Peanut Butter Pretzel nugget? This is genius. Again, a handful of these things and your afternoon snack break is done. You will suddenly have the ability to make it to dinner without eating more of something else.
• The spicy and flavored nuggets, ie, Buffalo chicken or Jalapeno. These are the ones when you are watching a sporting activity on the TV and have a refreshing beverage to wash them down with. Heads up, these are probably the messiest ones. You will need to have something to wipe your hands on. This is why you want to eat them at home.

What is your favorite type of pretzel? Does New York State actually have a favorite pretzel? Don't stress, you don't have to pick just one. I don't think anyone (if they like pretzels) has just one favorite.