Jumbo Soft Pretzel Recipe

Activate Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Mix Dough

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

Knead Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Rise Dough

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape Pretzels

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.

Boil Pretzels

Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Bake Pretzels

Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Cook Macaroni

Boil macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and mix well.

Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, beer, garlic powder, mustard, and salt.

Heat Sauce

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and serve warm.