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Homemade Sourdough Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Sauce

Soft Sourdough Pretzel Recipe with Cheddar Sauce

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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 12 hours

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 large pot
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 whisk

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Dough

  • 1 cup active starter
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tsp hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

Pretzel Dough

  • Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water with an equal part of active sourdough starter.
  • Next, introduce 3 cups of all-purpose flour into the mix.
  • Add in 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil and the 2 tsp of salt.
  • Mix ingredients by hand or with a wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms.
  • Cover with a moist tea towel and allow to ferment at room temperature for 10-12 hours.
  • After the dough has risen, divide into equal parts.
  • Each piece is then rolled on a lightly floured surface into a long rope, about 18 to 24 inches in length.
  • Form a U-shape with the rope, cross the ends over each other twice, and press them down onto the bottom of the U. This method creates the distinctive pretzel shape, with a plump bottom and a neatly twisted top.
  • In a large pot of boiling water, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar.
  • Gently lower each pretzel into the simmering baking soda bath using a slotted spoon.
  • Boil each side for about 30 seconds, ensuring the entire surface of the pretzel comes into contact with the solution.
  • After boiling, transfer the pretzels onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
  •  Brush each pretzel with an egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until they reach a deep golden brown color.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

  • Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Once the butter is bubbling, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to prevent any clumps from forming.
  • Once the milk mixture has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Continue whisking until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this is the moment to add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a tsp of cayenne pepper.
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