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German Soft Pretzels Recipe Easy Cozy Homemade Pretzels with Spicy Beer Cheese Dip

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Cozy homemade German soft pretzels with a spicy beer cheese dip, perfect for a comforting snack or gathering. Soft and chewy pretzels paired with a creamy, spicy dip make this recipe addictive and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (60g)
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup beer (lager or pale ale)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F / 43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and about 3 1/2 cups (420g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare soda bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) of water and 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda to a boil.
  5. Shape pretzels: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope. Form each rope into a classic pretzel shape.
  6. Boil pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove and place on prepared baking sheet.
  7. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and shiny.
  8. Prepare the spicy beer cheese dip: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, beer, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk frequently until smooth and melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve pretzels warm with the spicy beer cheese dip.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath; it is essential for the classic pretzel crust and chewy texture. Knead dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten. Use low and slow heat for the beer cheese dip to avoid separation. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. Coarse sea salt is preferred for topping; kosher salt can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, German pretzels, homemade pretzels, beer cheese dip, spicy dip, comfort food, snack recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/german-soft-pretzels-recipe-easy-cozy-homemade-pretzels-with-spicy-beer-cheese-dip/