Pretzels & Pimento Recipe

Specials

1. 1

   Make pretzel dough

   In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and fine salt. In a separate bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and melted butter; let rest 5 minutes. Stir wet into dry until a shaggy dough forms, then knead 6-8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 60-75 minutes.

2. 2

   Prepare boil and toppings

   Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups water to a boil. Add baking soda to the boiling water (careful—the mixture will foam). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

3. 3

   Shape pretzel sticks

   Punch down dough and divide into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12 inches, then cut into sticks. Place on a parchment-lined sheet.

4. 4

   Boil pretzel sticks

   Boil pretzel sticks in batches for 28-30 seconds each. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on sheet. Sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.

5. 5

   Bake pretzels

   Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until deep golden brown. Remove and cool on a rack.

6. 6

   Make Southern pimento cheese spread

   In a mixer or large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar and mayonnaise; mix until creamy. Fold in pimentos, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Chill 20-30 minutes to meld flavors.

7. 7

   Make maple-bourbon mustard

   Whisk Dijon mustard, maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

8. 8

   Serve

   Arrange warm pretzel sticks on a board with bowls of pimento cheese spread and maple-bourbon mustard for dipping.