Game Day Soft Pretzels Cheese (Print Version)

Warm soft pretzels paired with a creamy, sharp cheddar cheese dip, perfect for festive gatherings and sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Soft Pretzels

01 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
02 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling)
08 - 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
09 - Coarse salt, for sprinkling

→ Cheese Dip

10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 1 cup whole milk
13 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - ½ tsp Dijon mustard
15 - ¼ tsp garlic powder
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Stir melted butter and salt into yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
07 - Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope and shape into pretzels.
08 - Carefully dip each pretzel into boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spatula and place on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
10 - Bake for 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
11 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
12 - Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
13 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with pretzels.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • That magical moment when you pull them from the oven, glossy and golden, makes every step worth it
  • The cheese dip comes together in minutes and transforms good pretzels into something unforgettable
  • They freeze beautifully, so you can always have fresh baked pretzels ready for unexpected cravings
02 -
  • The boiling step with baking soda is what creates that authentic pretzel flavor and chewy exterior texture
  • Let the dough rise fully, no matter how tempted you are to rush it
  • The cheese sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve it immediately or reheat gently with a splash of milk
03 -
  • Weigh your flour if possible, because measuring by cup can vary wildly and affect your dough consistency
  • Do not skip the coarse salt sprinkle, it creates that restaurant style crust that makes these pretzels special

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