Chewy Cheesy Soft Pretzels Recipes

HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZEL RECIPE

Steps:

• Stir the warm water, brown sugar, and dry yeast together in a small bowl.
• Place the bread flour & salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
• When the yeast mixture looks foamy, stir it into the flour mixture.
• Stir in the beer until a stiff dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until it feels silky and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
• Punch down the dough, and divide it into 8 equal portions.
• Roll each portion of dough into a rope about 20-inches long.
• Twist into a pretzel shape and place on an oiled baking sheet.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a simmer, and add the baking soda (liquid will foam up and then settle back down).
• Boil the pretzels (one or two at a time) in the liquid for 1 minute on each side.
• Drain on clean towels, then transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until dark brown and shiny.

PERFECTLY CHEWY SOFT PRETZELS WITH CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except for the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
• Mix on medium-low speed for 10-12 minutes until a stiff, smooth dough forms. It will be quite firm - this is fine and is what gives lovely chewy pretzels. Don't freak out.
• Add the butter and mix for a further 5 minutes until it is completely incorporated and passes the window pane test.
• Shape the dough into a ball, and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until doubled in size. This initial rise can also be done in the fridge overnight.
• Turn the dough out onto a work surface (do not flour), and weigh the dough then divide into 12 equal sized balls. Shape each into a ball, then place on the bench under plastic wrap to rest. Keep covered until you are ready to use.
• Line three baking sheets with silpats / silicone baking mats, or parchment paper (see notes).
• Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into a long thin sausage, 30" (76cm) long. This will seem very thin but is necessary in order for the pretzels to be the right shape once risen. If you would like them a little thicker, roll the dough sausage a little shorter.
• Make the dough into a 'U' shape, then cross the two ends over twice to form a twist, then bring the ends down and press onto the rounded part of the pretzel (See video). Transfer to a lined baking sheet.
• Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, until you have 12 pretzels. Space evenly amongst the baking sheets (you can get away with using two sheets but things get a bit squishy).
• Rise the pretzels, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for a further 10 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 475˚f / 245˚c. In a large, shallow pan (I used a frying pan / skillet), combine 1/4 cup baked baking soda and 6 cups of water. Heat until the solution is steaming, then turn off.
• Working with one pretzel at a time, carefully lift off the baking sheet, and place upside down in the solution. Soak for 10 seconds, then carefully flip over and soak for another. Remove using a slotted spatula or another flat utensil, and place onto the silicone mat lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining pretzels - if you are baking on three trays, do not dip the third tray of pretzels until just before you bake them.
• Egg wash the pretzels just before you bake them, and use a razor blade or sharp knife to score the rounded part of the pretzel (see photos). Sprinkle with pretzel salt.
• Bake two trays at once for 9-10 minutes, switching trays half way through, until the pretzels are golden brown. While the two trays are baking, dip the third tray and then repeat the egg washing and baking process.
• Allow to cool slightly on the trays, and then transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Serve with cheese dip (recipe follows). Best eaten on the day that they are made - if you are planning on keeping some for more than one day, do not add the salt as it makes them soggy.
• In a medium pot, melt the butter, and then add the flour, whisking well to combine. Cook, for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, or until the mixture is bubbly and foaming slightly. Remove from the heat, and, whisking constantly, add the milk.
• Whisk well to combine, then return to the heat and cook for a further 4-5 minutes, whisking continuously, until the mixture has thickened. Season well with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and add the American Cheese, the sharp cheddar, and the cream cheese, and mix well to incorporate, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted. Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and wholegrain mustard and stir well.
• Transfer to a microwave safe dish and serve warm alongside the pretzels. As needed, rewarm in the microwave by zapping for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well between each interval, until warm and smooth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

CHEWY CHEESY SOFT PRETZELS

Steps:

• Mix first 5 ingredients.
• Cut in butter until crumbly.
• Stir in milk, just until moistened.
• Knead on a floured surface for a minute.
• Divide in half.
• Roll each portion into a 12x8 rectangle.
• Cut each into 8in long strips.
• Fold strips in half; pinching the edges;and twist into pretzel shapes.
• Place on greased baking sheets.
• Brush with egg and sprinkle with course salt.
• Bake at 400* for 12 minutes or until golden brown.