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Fluffy homemade pretzels with cheddar beer cheese sauce on a plate

Fluffy Homemade Pretzels with Cheddar Beer Cheese Sauce

Learn how to make deliciously fluffy homemade pretzels, perfectly chewy on the inside and golden brown on the outside, served with a rich and creamy cheddar beer cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for game day or a fun snack!
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 10 pretzels
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzels
  • 1 1/2 cups Water, warm (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp Granulated sugar
  • 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Baking soda for bath
  • 10 cups Water for bath
  • 1 Egg, beaten for wash
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling
Cheddar Beer Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Beer (lager or ale)
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Pretzels
  1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Combine flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60-90 minutes.
  4. Punch down dough, divide into 10-12 pieces, and roll each into a long rope. Shape ropes into traditional pretzel shapes.
  5. Bring 10 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  6. Carefully drop pretzels into the boiling bath for 20-30 seconds per side, then remove with a slotted spoon.
  7. Place boiled pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes, or 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.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk and beer until smooth; bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat, add shredded cheddar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm with the pretzels.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using a dark beer in the cheese sauce. Ensure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to activate it properly.