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:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups flour and melted butter. Mix on low using the dough hook.
- Add remaining 2 ½ cups flour, mix on medium until dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl (about 4-5 mins).
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 50-55 mins or until doubled.
Shape & Boil Pretzels:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment and spray with non-stick spray.
- Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces; roll each into a 24-inch rope.
- Shape into pretzels, place on prepared baking sheets.
- Boil pretzels individually for 30 seconds each, remove with spatula, and return to baking sheets.
- 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:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
- Add cheddar cheese and Velveeta sauce, stirring until smooth.
- 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