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Buttery soft pretzels served with a warm cheese dip for dipping
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Buttery Soft Pretzels with Cheese Dip

A mouthwatering dish featuring chewy, golden-brown pretzels paired with a creamy cheese dip, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time14 minutes
Total Time1 hour 14 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buttery Soft Pretzels, Cheese Dip, comfort food, Homemade Pretzels, Party Snack
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Pretzels

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F) Base for activating the yeast.
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast Essential for creating a perfect rise.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances the flavor of the dough.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Foundation of pretzel dough.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted Infuses richness.
  • 1/3 cup baking soda (for water bath) Enhances crust texture.
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash) Provides a shiny finish.
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling Classic pretzel topping.

For the Cheese Dip

  • 2 tbsp butter Base for the cheese sauce.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 1 cup milk Creamy medium for the dip.
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Bold cheese flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) Adds tang.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  • Stir in the salt, brown sugar, and melted butter, blending the mixture until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shaping

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch the risen dough gently and divide it into 8 pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope and twist into a pretzel shape.

Boiling and Baking

  • Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds.
  • Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Cheese Dip Preparation

  • In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese and optional mustard, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Serve the warm pretzels alongside the creamy cheese dip and enjoy!

Notes

For perfect results, knead the dough well, don't skip the boiling step, and experiment with flavors in the dough or cheese dip.