Jul 09 2026
Restaurants›Queenstown Public House›Soft Pretzel Recipe

Soft Pretzel Recipe

Inspired by Queenstown Public House
Time2h 30m
Serves6

Soft pretzel with Jack Daniels mustard and jalapeño cheese sauce.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Dough

Boiling Bath

Jack Daniels Mustard

Jalapeño Cheese Sauce

Finishing & Serving

Method

Pretzel Dough

  1. 1

    Proofing the yeast

    In a small bowl, combine 1.25 cups warm water with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Sprinkle 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast over the surface and let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Combine dry ingredients and wet mixture

    In a large bowl, whisk 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1.5 teaspoons salt. Add 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead and first rise

    Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60 minutes.

  4. 4

    Shape into pretzels

    Punch down the dough, divide into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Prepare boiling bath

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the water (it will foam). Maintain a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Boil and bake pretzels

    Carefully drop pretzels into the boiling bath 1-2 at a time, boil for 30-60 seconds, then flip and remove with a slotted spoon. Return to the sheet and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden brown.

Jack Daniels Mustard

  1. 7

    Make the mustard sauce

    In a small saucepan, whisk together Dijon mustard (1/3 cup), Jack Daniel's (1/4 cup), brown sugar (2 tbsp), apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp), water (1/4 cup), and salt (1/4 tsp). Bring to a simmer and cook 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Jalapeño Cheese Sauce

  1. 8

    Make cheese sauce base

    In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a light roux, cooking 1-2 minutes.

  2. 9

    Add milk and cheeses

    Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup cream cheese and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar until melted and silky.

  3. 10

    Finish with jalapeño and season

    Stir in 1 minced jalapeño pepper and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Keep warm over low heat.

Finishing & Serving

  1. 11

    Finish pretzels

    As soon as pretzels come out of the oven, brush with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle 1/2 tsp coarse salt.

  2. 12

    Serving suggestion

    Serve warm with a side of Jack Daniels Mustard and Jalapeño Cheese Sauce for dipping.

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