SOFT PRETZELS WITH CHEESE SAUCE

Soft pretzels with cheese sauce are a classic snack that's perfect for game day or movie night. This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted 10 cups of water
• 2/3 cup of baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten
• Coarse salt for sprinkling
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture is foamy.
2. Add the flour and melted butter to the mixing bowl and mix with a dough hook attachment until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
5. In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope.
7. Shape the dough into pretzels and dip them into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
8. Remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
10. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown.
11. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
12. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
13. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
14. Serve the soft pretzels with the cheese sauce.