These Easy Soft Pretzels with Cheese Dip are a classic snack that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat! Whether you’re craving a savory treat for game day or looking for a fun baking project with the kids, these pretzels are sure to please. The combination of soft, chewy pretzels and creamy cheese dip is irresistible. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Easy Soft Pretzels:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the bowl
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
Ingredients for Cheese Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Easy Soft Pretzels:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Shape the ropes into pretzels.
- Carefully place the pretzels, one at a time, into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
- Bake the pretzels for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the pretzels are baking, make the cheese dip. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the warm pretzels with the cheese dip.
About the Main Ingredients:
Yeast: Yeast is a crucial ingredient in making soft pretzels, as it helps the dough rise and creates a light and fluffy texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to make the dough for the pretzels. It provides structure and helps give the pretzels their chewy texture.
Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pretzel dough. It also helps keep the pretzels moist.
Baking Soda: Boiling the pretzels in water and baking soda before baking gives them their characteristic chewy crust and helps them brown in the oven.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is used to make the cheese dip. It melts smoothly and adds a deliciously tangy flavor to the dip.
Salt: Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt is sprinkled on top of the pretzels before baking. It adds flavor and texture to the pretzels.
These Easy Soft Pretzels with Cheese Dip are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or party food!
