Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsBar Louie - EvansvilleBavarian Pretzels Recipe

Bavarian Pretzels Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves8

Warm pretzels served with cheese sauce.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Dough

Baking Soda Solution

Toppings

Method

Prepare Pretzel Dough

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

Forming Pretzels

  1. 4

    Shape the Pretzels

    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 shape it into a pretzel.

  2. 5

    Prepare Baking Soda Solution

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water.

  3. 6

    Boil the Pretzels

    Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  4. 7

    Sprinkle with Salt

    Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of each pretzel before baking.

Bake Pretzels

  1. 8

    Bake

    Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare Cheese Sauce

  1. 9

    Make Roux

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.

  2. 10

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.

  3. 11

    Add Cheese and Seasoning

    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

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