Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast, or 2 ¼ teaspoons
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cups baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water
- Pretzel Salt
- Non-stick cooking spray
Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1–4 oz packet Velveeta cheese sauce
- 1/3 cup Salsa Verde
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Start by combining warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to foam. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic on the dough.
- Make the dough: Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Use the dough hook on low speed until everything’s combined, then switch to medium speed and knead for 4–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough pulls away from the bowl and feels smooth.
- Let it rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 50 minutes. It should double in size—if it hasn’t, give it a bit more time.
- Prepare the baking soda bath: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking soda bath by boiling 10 cups of water with 2/3 cup of baking soda in a large pot.
- Shape the pretzels: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then shape each rope into a U. Twist the ends, then press them down to form a pretzel shape.
- Boil the pretzels: Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. This step is key for that chewy crust!
- Bake: Place the boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg yolk wash, and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 12–14 minutes until they’re a deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Notes
Serving ideas and drink pairings
Serve these pretzels on a large wooden board with little bowls of salsa verde cheese sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for sharing! If you’re hosting a party, try pairing these with a light beer, a crisp cider, or even a sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert