soft pretzels with spicy cheese dip - for bridal shower...

 

One of my good friends is getting married and she had her bridal shower this last weekend.  It was a "potluck shower" so I was very excited to bring a dish and I wanted it to be something special!  These pretzels were fun to make and even better to eat - and they were a hit at the shower!  I will definitely be making these again for parties or just to eat at home for fun. :)  Congratulations Gina & Andrew - I am so excited for you and so happy to be a part of your lives!  Your friendship means so much to me!  May your marriage be blessed and full of good food....

Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

For the dough:
1½ cups warm water
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2¼ tsp. instant yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for greasing the bowl

For finishing:
Cooking spray
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp. water
Pretzel (or kosher) salt

Directions:
To make the dough, combine the water, sugar, salt and yeast in bowl.  Mix to dissolve the yeast.  Add in the flour and melted butter and mix just until the dough comes together.  Knead until the dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl, about 5 minutes.  Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly greased with vegetable oil, turning once to coat.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place, about 50-55 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat the oven to 450° F.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.  Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan or stockpot.

In the meantime, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.  Working with one piece at a time, roll a segment out into a 24-inch long rope.  Make any desired shape with the rope.  Place onto the parchment lined baking sheet.  Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.


Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 or 2 at a time, for 30 seconds.  Remove from the water with a slotted skimmer and return to the baking sheet.  Once all the pretzels have been boiled, brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle lightly with salt.  Bake in the preheated oven until dark golden brown, about 12-14 minutes.  Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.


**Note: In order to save time, I made the dough and shaped the pretzels the night before and then froze them.  The next day I took the from the freezer and placed them directly in the boiling baking soda water, for about 45 seconds or until the float.  Then I did the egg wash, salted them and baked them a little longer - about 15 minutes or until golden brown.   I definitely recommend this method if you are going to make them for a party of event and want to save time!  

Spicy Cheese Dip

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cup cheddar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Red pepper flakes, to taste 

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly.  Whisk in the milk. Cover and bring to a simmer.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese, garlic and pepper flakes until the cheese is completely melted. Serve with fresh soft pretzels!

Source: Annie's Eats & Savvy Eat