Pretzel Recipe (Cheese Pretzel)

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese has fewer calories while maintaining flavor.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned jalapeños

Bell peppers are milder and lower in calories.

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; add yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll each into a long rope; shape into a pretzel.

Boil water in a large pot and add baking soda; carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds.

Remove pretzels and place on the baking sheet; brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in cheddar cheese until melted; add jalapeños, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens