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Soft Pretzels Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Soft Pretzels with Cheese Sauce

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Deliciously soft pretzels with a salty crust and pillowy inside, served with a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy snacks, family gatherings, or game nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup (80g) baking soda
  • 10 cups (2.4L) water for boiling
  • 2 tbsp coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (9g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by stirring warm water (110°F/45°C), sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (~120g each). Roll each into a 20-inch rope and shape into pretzels.
  7. Boil pretzels one or two at a time in baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and drain.
  8. Place boiled pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  10. While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form roux.
  11. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  12. Lower heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
  13. Brush baked pretzels again with melted butter if desired. Serve warm with cheese sauce.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath for the signature chewy crust. Use warm water at 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until elastic for best texture. Watch oven closely to avoid burning. Cheese sauce consistency can be adjusted with cream or milk. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and xanthan gum. Vegan options available by swapping dairy ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, cheese sauce, easy pretzel recipe, snack, comfort food

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