Soft Pretzel Balls and Beer Cheese

Get the party started with these big puffy, super soft pretzel balls. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or use the included beer cheese recipe.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c water
• 1 tbsp yeast + a pinch of sugar
• 4 1/4 c flour
• 2 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 c water
• 1/3 c baking soda
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water, egg wash
• kosher salt
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 6 oz beer
• 8 oz sharp cheddar, grated and tossed with flour until coated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 splashes Worcestershire
• 4 dashes mustard powder

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat 1 1/2 cups of water until warm,...: Heat 1 1/2 cups of water until warm, add the yeast and pinch of sugar and let this sit for 10 minutes
2. 2In a stand mixer add flour, 2 1/2...: In a stand mixer add flour, 2 1/2 tsp salt and sugar
3. 3Add the 3 tbsp melted butter to the...: Add the 3 tbsp melted butter to the yeast water and pour that into the flour mixture
4. 4Mix with a dough hook attachment on low...: Mix with a dough hook attachment on low speed for 3 minutes, until the dough is soft and pliable (alternatively use a large bowl, wooden spoon and then knead on a counter)
5. 5Roll the dough out on a floured counter...: Roll the dough out on a floured counter top, separate into two pieces and cover with cling wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray on one side to avoid sticking
6. 6Let this rise for 2 hours
7. 7Preheat oven to 375
8. 8Roll the dough into two long strands and...: Roll the dough into two long strands and cut 24 pieces total, rolling each piece into a ball
9. 9Dip each pretzel in to a baking soda...: Dip each pretzel in to a baking soda bath, with 4 cups of water and 1/3 cup baking soda on a low boil, for 20 seconds
10. 10Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment...: Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
11. 11Brush with the egg wash mixture and sprinkle...: Brush with the egg wash mixture and sprinkle with kosher salt
12. 12Bake for 15-20 minutes
13. 13Immediately upon pulling the pretzels out of the...: Immediately upon pulling the pretzels out of the oven, brush with melted butter
14. 14On low heat add the garlic and beer
15. 15To this add the cheese, mustard powder and...: To this add the cheese, mustard powder and worcestershire whisking until combined
16. 16Transfer the cheese sauce to a blender and...: Transfer the cheese sauce to a blender and blend until silky smooth
17. 17Add fresh cracked pepper to the cheese and...: Add fresh cracked pepper to the cheese and serve!