Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsNitty Gritty-MadisonSoft Pretzel Sticks Recipe

Soft Pretzel Sticks Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves12

Side of nacho cheese & homemade pretzel mustard

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Dough

Nacho Cheese Sauce

Homemade Pretzel Mustard

Method

Pretzel Dough

  1. 1

    Activate the Yeast

    In a bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. 2

    Make the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.

  3. 3

    Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  4. 4

    Shape the Pretzel Sticks

    Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into about 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12-15 inches), then shape into a pretzel stick.

  5. 5

    Prepare the Baking Soda Solution

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop the pretzel sticks into the boiling solution, 2-3 at a time, for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  6. 6

    Bake the Pretzel Sticks

    Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of the pretzel sticks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Nacho Cheese Sauce

  1. 7

    Make the Roux

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

  2. 8

    Add Milk and Cheese

    Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded cheddar cheese and nacho cheese seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

  3. 9

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Homemade Pretzel Mustard

  1. 10

    Combine Ingredients

    In a small bowl, mix together the yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until well blended.

  2. 11

    Refrigerate

    Let the mustard sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

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