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Ingredients
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Pretzel Dough
Beer Cheese
Method
Pretzel Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (1.5 cups) and sugar (1 tbsp). Sprinkle the active dry yeast (1 tbsp) over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (4 cups) and salt (1 tbsp). Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the melted unsalted butter (1 tbsp). Stir until a dough begins to form.
- 3
Shaping and Baking Pretzels
- 4
Shape the Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches long) and twist into a pretzel shape.
- 5
Prepare Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda (2 tbsp) to create a baking soda bath.
- 6
Boil the Pretzels
Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt (0.5 tbsp).
- 7
Bake the Pretzels
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Beer Cheese Preparation
- 8
Mix Cheese and Spices
In a mixing bowl, combine sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups), cream cheese (8 oz), garlic powder (1 tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), hot sauce (1 tbsp), black pepper (0.5 tsp), and salt (0.5 tsp).
- 9
Add Beer
Gradually add beer (0.5 cups) to the cheese mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
- 10
Serve
Transfer the beer cheese to a serving bowl and serve warm alongside the freshly baked pretzels.
