I have always wanted to try making soft pretzels at home, but I was so intimidated by them. It seemed like there were so many steps and I was convinced I would ruin them if I ever tried.
Enter Oscar night. I knew I wanted to bring something salty and I also wanted to try something different. What better time to face ones fears! And honestly? These really couldn't have been simpler. You definitely can't be in a rush, though, as you need to let the yeast in the dough work its magic for at least an hour. The pretzels were great on their own, but the recipe I found recommended a cheddar cheese dipping sauce.
Gee, twist my arm!
SOFT PRETZEL BITES
1 1/2 C warm water
1 package active dry yeast
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
3 oz unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 Tsp kosher salt
4 1/2 to 5 C all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
3 quarts water
3/4 C baking soda
1 egg, beaten with 1 Tbsp cold water
Sea salt (The recipe calls for coarse salt - I only had fine salt and it worked just fine)
*In a stand mixer, combine water, yeast, brown sugar and butter. Mix with a dough hook until combined and let sit for 5 minutes. (You'll see the yeast become foamy on top.)
*Add the salt and flour gradually at low speed. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pulls away from the bowl, about 3-4 minutes. If the dough is too wet, add more flour, 1 Tbsp at a time.
*Remove dough from the bowl and knead with your hands. Oil a large bowl and turn the dough to coat. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm place until doubled in size, at least one hour.
*Once the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and divide into 8 equal pieces, roughly 4 1/2 ounces each. (I used my kitchen scale for this, topped with plastic wrap so the dough didn't stick.)
*Roll each piece into a rope, starting in the middle and working your hands outwards. Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces to make the bites. (I used a pizza cutter - brilliant!)
*In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil. In batches, boil the bites for about thirty seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the water, and place on greased cookie sheets. Make sure the pretzel bites are not touching!
*Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle liberally with salt.
*Bake at 425 degrees for 15-18 minutes, or until brown. (For my oven, I was done at 13-14 minutes, so keep an eye on them!)
*Let cool for 5 minutes and serve. I know it will be difficult, but try to share!
CHEESE SAUCE
1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 Tbsp flour
1/2 C milk
8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
*Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for one minute.
*Add milk and mix until slightly thickened.
*Remove from heat and add cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
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