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The Comfort of Homemade Soft Pretzels – A Warm, Buttery Hug in Every Bite


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Pretzels

Description

Warm, buttery, and irresistibly chewy, these homemade soft pretzels capture the nostalgic magic of classic mall pretzels right in your own kitchen. Paired perfectly with a creamy, zesty Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce, every bite is a comforting journey back to simpler times.


Ingredients

Pretzels:

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
  • 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 (for boiling)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 (4 oz) packet Velveeta cheese sauce
  • ⅓ cup Salsa Verde
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Make the Pretzel Dough:

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add 2 cups flour and melted butter. Mix on low using the dough hook.
  3. Add remaining 2 ½ cups flour, mix on medium until dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl (about 4-5 mins).
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 50-55 mins or until doubled.

Shape & Boil Pretzels:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment and spray with non-stick spray.
  2. Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  3. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces; roll each into a 24-inch rope.
  4. Shape into pretzels, place on prepared baking sheets.
  5. Boil pretzels individually for 30 seconds each, remove with spatula, and return to baking sheets.
  6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt.

Bake Pretzels:

  • Bake at 450°F for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Cool 5 mins, then brush with melted butter if desired.

Make Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce:

  1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking 1 minute.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
  3. Add cheddar cheese and Velveeta sauce, stirring until smooth.
  4. Mix in Salsa Verde and salt to taste. Simmer gently for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • Pretzels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Dough can be frozen after the first rise for later use.
  • Customize pretzels by adding cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking, Boiling
  • Cuisine: American