The BEST Homemade Soft Pretzel with Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe - EASY & SIMPLE | Danlicious Food

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option.

Measure out 3/4 cup of lukewarm water and dissolve 2 teaspoons of brown sugar by stirring it in.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant or active dry yeast to dissolve and set it aside for at least 5 minutes to proof.

Measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour and add 3/4 teaspoon of table salt, mixing it well.

When the yeast water shows bubbles or foam, pour it into the flour mixture, then add 1 tablespoon of melted butter and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Bring the dough together with your hands until the water is absorbed, which will be quite sticky.

Knead the dough by pushing and folding until it is elastic and smooth, adding more flour if needed, up to 1/4 cup.

Oil the bowl and the dough to prevent sticking, cover it, and leave it in a warm area to rise for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Pour 2 cups of water into a pot, stir in 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Punch the risen dough down to knock out air bubbles and place it on a lightly floured surface.

Form the dough into a log shape and divide it into 6 to 8 pieces.

Wrap each piece of dough in on itself a few times to form a ball.

Roll each ball of dough into a long rope, stretching it by slapping it on the surface.

Form a U-shape with the rope, cross the ends twice, fold them down, and pinch to seal into a pretzel shape.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place each pretzel into the baking soda water bath one at a time for 30 seconds, fully submerging it, then drain and place on a greased parchment-lined baking sheet.

Salt the pretzels while they are still wet and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

Bake the pretzels at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

To make the nacho cheese dip, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir for about a minute to make a roux.

Add 1/2 cup of milk and let it come to a simmer while stirring constantly until thickened.

Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Season the cheese dip with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder if desired.

Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving with the nacho cheese dip.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens