Everything Pretzel Bites with Cheesy Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

When I was a child, I remember there used to be annual magic shows that came on in the summer, and I think aired on ABC Family. These were a big deal in our house. To get ready, I remember my mom making frozen pretzels from a box, softening a block of cream cheese, and warming up some canned jalapeno cheese dip for dipping. She’s where I get my love for sauces and dips from. So much nostalgia. I can see exactly where we sat in front of the TV, what blankets we sat under and the smells that came from the kitchen.

This pretzel recipe is a pretty traditional and standard recipe you can find a lot of places. I’ve substituted the salt for Everything Bagel Seasoning, added a bit of garlic powder to the dough, and switched out the sugar for honey to give a smoother texture. But, the dipping sauce is a combination of all my favorite memories of childhood pretzel and magic show parties. Enjoy!

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Ingredients

Pretzels

Everything Seasoning

1 1/2 cups warm milk (about 115 degrees)

1 1/2 tablespoon  sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 package active dry yeast

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing

9 cups water

1/2 cup baking soda

1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)

Cheese Dip

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon flour

1 teaspoon pepper

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 ounces Cream Cheese

1-2 thinly sliced jalapeno peppers

1/2 tablespoon whole grain mustard

1 1/2 cups milk

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 90 minutes

Recipe

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups warm milk, sugar and salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the mixture and wait for activation. About 5-15 minutes. It should be foamy!

2. Slowly add 4 1/2 cups flour, garlic powder and melted butter. You can kneed the dough together using your hands, or using a stand mixture. Both should take about 3-5 minutes. Add a bit more flour of the dough is too sticky.

3. In a lightly oiled bowl, place the dough. Cover with a damp towel and place in a warm area. I usually place mine next to a window! Let rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubling in size.

4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper

5. Combine water and baking soda in a deep pot and bring to a boil. Don’t skip this step. It’s going to give your pretzels the golden-brown shiny finish, as well as that distinct pretzel crunch!

6. While water is boiling, bring dough to a lightly oiled surface. Divide dough circle into 8 to 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a long rod-like shape, that is about 1/2 - 3/4 inch. Then cut into individual pieces.

7. Once the water and baking soda mixture reaches a boil, you are ready! Place 15-20 bites into the water bath at a time. Leave in for about 30 seconds. They should be floating at the top. Transfer them directly to the baking sheet. Continue the process until they are all done.

8. Brush the top with an egg mixture, and top with Everything Bagel Seasoning.

9. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.

10. While pretzels are baking, begin making the sauce. In a medium sauce pan, melt one tablespoon butter. When the butter is melted, stir in one tablespoon of flour.

11. Once the roux is formed, slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking while pouring. Whisk until the roux is full incorporated.

12. Then, add 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces of cream cheese, and 1/2 tablespoon whole grain mustard. Whisk until cheese is melted.

13. Add pepper and thinly sliced jalapeno peppers. Reduce heat to simmer and stir until thickening begins.

14. Serve warm alongside pretzel bites!

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