Easy Pretzels & Cheese Dip

pretzel

Ingredients:

  • Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the flour and melted butter to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll each piece into a rope shape. Twist the ropes into pretzel shapes.
  6. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil the pretzels, a few at a time, for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Brush the tops of the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle them with coarse salt.
  8. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serving: