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These Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are a perfect blend of chewy, salty pretzels coated with Parmesan, paired with a creamy, flavorful hard cider cheese dip. A fun and delicious appetizer, these pretzels are perfect for fall gatherings, game day, or any time you want a satisfying, cheesy treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Soft Pretzels:

1 cup warm water (105–115°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter, divided
½ cup baking soda
1 egg (for egg wash)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)

For the Hard Cider Cheese:

1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups caramelized onion cheddar, shredded
1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
¼ cup flour
1 cup hard cider (dry)
¼ cup light cream

Directions:

Make the Pretzel Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
- In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour, yeast mixture, salt, sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough on low, increasing to medium until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl (about 4-5 minutes).
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Boil the Pretzels:
- Bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 pieces, then each piece into 2. Roll each piece into a 16-20 inch rope and shape into pretzels.
- Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water, then brush the pretzels with the egg wash.
Bake the Pretzels:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Make the Hard Cider Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheeses with ¼ cup flour.
- Pour cider into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, then add cream and remove from heat. Gradually stir in the cheese mixture in batches until smooth. If needed, return to low heat to fully melt and smooth the sauce.
Finish and Serve:
- Brush each baked pretzel with the remaining melted butter and coat with grated Parmesan. Serve with the warm hard cider cheese sauce.

Nutritional Value (per pretzel):

Calories: 350–400 kcal
Total Fat: 18–22g
- Saturated Fat: 8–10g
Cholesterol: 40–50mg
Sodium: 500–600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugars: 7g
Protein: 8–10g
Vitamin C: 0–1% DV
Calcium: 15–20% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Potassium: 150–200mg

These soft pretzels are perfect for any occasion and are best served warm with the delicious hard cider cheese dip!

The Allure of Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels have a long and fascinating history, originating in Europe and making their way to the United States by the early 18th century. Traditionally, they were made from a simple dough of flour, water, and yeast, boiled briefly in water with baking soda before being baked. The result is a golden, chewy exterior with a soft and airy interior. The unique shape of the pretzel, often associated with good luck or religious symbolism, adds an element of fun to its appeal.

What makes soft pretzels particularly beloved is their versatility. While the classic salt topping is most common, the pretzel dough can be adapted to incorporate various flavors, making them perfect for different occasions. For this particular recipe, the soft pretzels are enhanced with a Parmesan cheese coating, adding a nutty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

Cheese Sauce: The Star of the Dish

While soft pretzels are delicious on their own, the addition of the hard cider cheese sauce truly elevates this recipe. The sauce is made with a combination of three types of cheese: Gruyère, caramelized onion cheddar, and Gouda. Each of these cheeses contributes unique characteristics to the sauce. Gruyère offers a nutty, slightly salty flavor, while caramelized onion cheddar provides a rich, tangy bite. Gouda, with its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, ties the whole sauce together.

The secret ingredient that sets this cheese sauce apart is hard cider. The addition of dry hard cider adds a subtle fruity note that balances the richness of the cheeses. The cider also helps create a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce, making it perfect for dipping. Whether you’re enjoying it with the pretzels or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, the hard cider cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that’s sure to impress.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, a football game, or just a cozy evening with friends, this appetizer will be a hit. The pretzels are fun to make, offering an interactive cooking experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. The process of shaping the pretzels and watching them transform from dough to golden perfection in the oven is a rewarding experience that makes these treats even more special.

Once the pretzels are baked and brushed with melted butter, they are coated in grated Parmesan cheese, adding a layer of flavor that perfectly complements the saltiness of the dough. Paired with the creamy hard cider cheese dip, these pretzels become an irresistible snack that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

These pretzels also make a great option for meal prepping or making in advance. You can bake the pretzels, store them in an airtight container, and then reheat them in the oven before serving with the cheese sauce. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm pretzels with minimal effort when your guests arrive.

A Fall Favorite

This recipe is particularly ideal for fall. The comforting warmth of the soft pretzels combined with the rich, creamy cheese sauce makes it a perfect dish for cooler weather. The slight tang from the hard cider in the cheese sauce provides a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the cheese, creating a flavor profile that’s well-suited to fall gatherings. Whether served at a Thanksgiving dinner, Halloween party, or a simple weekend gathering, these pretzels are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

The Nutritional Profile

While these soft pretzels are undeniably delicious, they also come with a reasonable nutritional profile. Each pretzel contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size. The pretzels are rich in carbohydrates, making them a filling and satisfying snack. The addition of cheese contributes to the protein content, while the melted butter and Parmesan provide a source of fat.

Although not the lightest snack, these pretzels can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The rich, flavorful cheese sauce, which provides calcium and a small amount of iron, further enhances the nutritional value of this dish. If you’re looking to make this recipe a little lighter, consider reducing the amount of butter or using a lower-fat cheese in the sauce.

The Importance of Proper Pretzel Dough

The key to making these soft pretzels is in the dough. Properly mixing, kneading, and resting the dough are essential steps to achieve the perfect texture. When making pretzels, it’s important to let the dough rise long enough to allow it to double in size, as this will ensure a light and fluffy interior. Kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic helps to develop the gluten, which contributes to the chewy texture that soft pretzels are known for.

Boiling the pretzels before baking them is also a crucial step. This brief boil in water mixed with baking soda helps to create the signature golden-brown, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside. The baking soda helps to promote browning while also contributing to the pretzel’s unique texture. This process is what makes soft pretzels stand apart from other types of bread.

Why You’ll Love These Pretzels

The combination of homemade soft pretzels and the rich, tangy hard cider cheese sauce makes this recipe one you’ll return to time and time again. The process may take a little time and effort, but the end result is undoubtedly worth it. The crispy, buttery pretzels coated in Parmesan, paired with the creamy, decadent cheese dip, create a delightful experience for both the senses and the stomach.

This recipe is not just for pretzel lovers; it’s for anyone who appreciates a delicious, comforting snack with a twist. The use of hard cider in the cheese sauce adds an unexpected yet delightful flavor that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy night in, these pretzels will make any moment feel a little more festive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are a perfect addition to any occasion. Their unique flavor profile, blending savory, salty pretzels with a creamy, tangy cheese dip, is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The combination of fresh, homemade pretzels and a flavorful cheese sauce creates a truly indulgent experience that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering, a football party, or simply as a treat for yourself, these pretzels are a surefire hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that only soft pretzels can provide.

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Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Directions:

Nutritional Value (per pretzel):

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