Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are a delicious twist on the classic soft pretzel, enhanced with savory Parmesan and a rich, tangy cheese dip made with hard cider. These pretzels are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or simply as a tasty treat to enjoy at home!
Ingredients List
For the Soft Pretzels
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
For the Hard Cider Cheese Dip
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup hard cider
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Timing
Preparing Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese takes about 15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for rising, and 20-25 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape the Pretzels: Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches) and shape it into a pretzel by forming a loop and twisting the ends together. Place shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzels
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Boil the Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Salt and Parmesan: While the pretzels are still wet, sprinkle coarse sea salt and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 5: Make the Hard Cider Cheese Dip
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, hard cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Heat the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the dip is creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the Pretzels: Arrange the warm pretzels on a serving platter.
- Serve with Cheese Dip: Serve with the hard cider cheese dip on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese (per pretzel with cheese dip, assuming 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Tips for Customization
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses for the dip, such as gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pretzel dough for added flavor.
- Toppings: Try other toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for variety.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving. The cheese dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are a fun and delicious treat that combines the classic flavors of soft pretzels with a gourmet cheese dip. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, these pretzels are sure to be a hit!
FAQs
Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze the pretzels?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped pretzels before boiling. When ready to bake, boil them directly from the freezer, adding a minute to the boiling time.
What can I serve with these pretzels?
These pretzels pair well with a variety of dips, such as mustard, ranch dressing, or even a beer cheese dip.
Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Soft Pretzels
- • 4 cups all-purpose flour
- • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- • 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- For the Hard Cider Cheese Dip
- • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- • 1/4 cup hard cider
- • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape the Pretzels: Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches) and shape it into a pretzel by forming a loop and twisting the ends together. Place shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzels
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Boil the Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Salt and Parmesan: While the pretzels are still wet, sprinkle coarse sea salt and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 5: Make the Hard Cider Cheese Dip
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, hard cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Heat the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the dip is creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the Pretzels: Arrange the warm pretzels on a serving platter.
- Serve with Cheese Dip: Serve with the hard cider cheese dip on the side for dipping.
