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Mouthwatering Pretzels and Cheese Dip Recipe

Mouthwatering Pretzels and Cheese Dip Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

This recipe offers a delightful combination of homemade soft pretzel bites paired with a rich, spicy cheddar cheese dip. The pretzels are boiled in a baking soda bath to achieve that perfect chewy texture and golden crust, while the cheese sauce brings a creamy, flavorful kick enhanced by jalapeño, hot sauce, and horseradish. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant rise yeast (1/4 oz packet)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

Boiling Solution

  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • Water, for boiling

Topping

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Cheddar Cheese Dip

  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp horseradish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough: Dissolve instant yeast in lukewarm water by whisking for about 1 minute until combined. In a large bowl, stir in melted butter, brown sugar, and salt with the yeast mixture. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough thickens. Add an additional 3/4 cup flour and continue mixing. If the dough remains sticky, incorporate flour a quarter cup at a time until the dough is no longer sticky and bounces back when poked.
  2. Knead and Rest the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 2 minutes to develop gluten. Shape the dough into a ball, place it into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to handle.
  3. Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Divide the rested dough into six equal sections. Roll each section into long ropes and cut them into 1 1/2-inch bites. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for 20 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets without touching.
  4. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through to ensure even browning. The pretzels should turn a beautiful golden brown color when done.
  5. Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce: While the pretzels bake, warm the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form, but do not boil. In another saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour continuously for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and nutty. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, add the diced jalapeño, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard, and horseradish, mixing thoroughly. Add extra hot sauce if desired for a spicier dip.

Notes

  • Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast properly; too hot or cold water can affect rising.
  • Boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water gives them their signature chewy crust.
  • Adjust the flour quantity as needed depending on humidity and dough texture.
  • Brush the pretzels with egg wash right before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
  • The cheese dip can be made spicier or milder by adjusting hot sauce and jalapeño quantities.
  • Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzels, cheese dip, soft pretzels, snack, appetizer, cheddar cheese sauce, spicy cheese dip, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/mouthwatering-pretzels-and-cheese-dip-recipe/