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Homemade Soft Pretzels with Salsa Verde Cheese Dipping Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 27 reviews

This Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels recipe delivers fluffy, buttery pretzels with a perfectly golden crust and an irresistible salty finish, paired with a rich Salsa Verde Cheese Dipping Sauce. Whether for a snack or party appetizer, these pretzels are straightforward to make from scratch, featuring a traditional boiling step before baking for that iconic texture.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzels

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • Pretzel Salt
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Boiling Solution

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cups baking soda

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 (4 oz) packet Velveeta cheese sauce
  • 1/3 cup Salsa Verde
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the Dough: Add flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until ingredients combine, then increase to medium speed and knead until smooth and the dough pulls away from the bowl sides, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl with non-stick spray. Place the dough inside and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 50-55 minutes or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Heat oven to 450°F. Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper and brush lightly with vegetable oil.
  5. Prepare Boiling Solution: In a large 8-quart saucepan, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. Shape Pretzels: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 24-inch rope. Form each rope into a ‘U’ shape, then cross ends, twist, and fold down to form a pretzel shape. Place shaped pretzels onto the prepared pans.
  7. Boil Pretzels: Gently place pretzels one at a time into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a flat spatula and return to the pans.
  8. Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.
  9. Bake: Bake the pretzels until dark golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes. Optionally brush with melted butter if serving immediately.
  10. Make Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a paste (roux). Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in grated cheddar cheese and Velveeta cheese sauce until smooth. Add salsa verde and salt to taste, simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Serve: Serve pretzels warm with the prepared Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The boiling soda bath is essential for creating the classic pretzel crust and distinctive flavor.
  • Use parchment paper and lightly oil your pans to prevent sticking.
  • For a more intense flavor, use kosher or coarse pretzel salt rather than table salt.
  • Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • Brush pretzels with melted butter right after baking for extra richness and shine.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/homemade-soft-pretzels-with-salsa-verde-cheese-dipping-sauce-recipe/