Ingredients
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups water lukewarm
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
.25 oz fast-acting dry yeast 2.25 tsp
4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
coarse salt for sprinkling
Baking Soda Water Bath
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon water
Cheese Sauce
8 oz cheddar cheese grated
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
How to Make the Pretzel Dough
Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk to dissolve the yeast. Leave for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and butter. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Knead on low using the dough hook attachment on your mixer, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, about 4 to 5 minutes. You can knead the dough by hand with a wooden spoon for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How to Make the Cheese Sauce
While the dough is proofing, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute. Wisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and slowly stir in the cheese. Stir until smooth, add salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
