Description
Delicious homemade soft pretzels paired with creamy cheese dip, perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour (for cheese sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir in the sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Shape the pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 20 inches long, and shape it into a pretzel.
- Create the baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
- Make the cheese dip: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming. Whisk in the flour and cheese until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Present your warm pretzels alongside the creamy cheese dip.
Notes
For an extra kick, consider adding spices to your cheese sauce or using different cheeses for the dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pretzels with cheese dip
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg