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Fluffy homemade pretzels with cheddar beer cheese sauce on a plate

Fluffy Homemade Pretzels with Cheddar Beer Cheese Sauce

These homemade pretzels are delightfully soft and chewy, perfect for dipping into a rich, creamy cheddar beer cheese sauce. A fun and rewarding baking project that's sure to be a crowd-placer.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 pretzels
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Dough
  • 1 ½ cups Water warm (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
  • 4 ½ cups All-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup Baking soda for bath
  • 10 cups Water for bath
  • 2 tablespoons Coarse salt for topping
Cheddar Beer Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Beer lager or ale
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon Hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheets
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Pretzel Dough
  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  5. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a long rope, and then shape into a pretzel.
  6. (Optional) Place shaped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Bring 10 cups of water and ½ cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  8. Carefully drop 1-2 pretzels into the boiling solution for 30 seconds per side; remove and place on the baking sheet.
  9. Sprinkle with coarse salt, then bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cheddar Beer Cheese Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk and beer until smooth, then bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce until melted and smooth.
  4. Serve the warm cheddar beer cheese sauce with the freshly baked pretzels.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can brush the baked pretzels with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.