A favourite family snack made with local Ontario cheese on the side! Enjoy these fresh pretzel sticks dipped into a gooey, warm and delicious cheddar cheese sauce while watching your favourite movie or during game night with the family. While this Cheddar cheese sauce is perfect for dipping these decadent pretzel sticks, you can also make it your go-to for veggie dip or your favourite nachos. The pretzel recipe makes enough for some to be saved for later in the freezer, but we doubt they'll make their way into a storage container!
Step 1
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar into hot water. Sprinkle yeast over top and let stand for 5 minutes or until frothy.
Step 2
Whisk in butter and salt. Stir in 3 1/2 cups (875 mL) of the flour until a ragged dough forms.
Step 3
Turn dough out onto floured work surface and knead until smooth, adding more flour if sticky.
Step 4
Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let stand to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5
Meanwhile bring water and baking soda to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6
Cut dough equally into 32 portions. Roll each into a 6 inch (15 cm) log. Add about 4 at a time into water for about 30 seconds.
Step 7
Using a slotted spoon remove to a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Place 16 sticks on 1 baking sheet. Repeat with remaining sticks and another prepared baking sheet.
Step 8
Topping:
In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and water. Brush over top of pretzel sticks. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake 1 sheet at a time in centre of a 425oF (220oC) oven for about 10 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Step 1
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2
Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking gently for about 6 minutes or until starting to bubble and thicken. Reduce heat to low; stir in cheese until melted. Stir in salt and pepper.
Garlic Variation:
Stir in 1 small clove garlic, rasped when adding milk to the sauce.
Buffalo Cheese Variation:
For a kick to the sauce stir in 2 tbsp (30 mL) buffalo hot sauce into the sauce after cheese is melted.
Make ahead:
Cover and refrigerate sauce up to 3 days. Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally or in microwave in 30 second intervals until warm.