Get ready to elevate your snack game with these mouthwatering Buffalo Cheddar Soft Pretzel Twists! Imagine biting into a warm, soft pretzel infused with the bold flavors of cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from buffalo sauce, all topped off with the irresistible crunch of everything bagel seasoning. Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply craving a savory treat, these pretzels are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow along as we guide you through this deliciously cheesy and spicy recipe that will have everyone coming back for more!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 pretzels
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Buffalo sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (around 110°F), active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- In a separate large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and shredded cheddar cheese. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches long.
- Twist each rope into a pretzel shape or unique twist design. Place pretzels on prepared baking sheets.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Briefly bathe each pretzel in the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds, which helps create the classic pretzel crust.
- Remove pretzels from water bath, drain excess liquid, and place back on baking sheets.
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and generously sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The edges should be deep amber color.
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with buffalo sauce. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
- Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect soft pretzel texture. If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Rising Time: For the best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in the oven (turned off) with just the light on.
- Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! This step is essential for creating that signature pretzel crust. Just make sure not to leave the pretzels in the bath for too long—20-30 seconds is perfect.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the pretzels with beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and helps the seasoning stick.
- Buffalo Sauce Drizzle: For an extra kick, drizzle more buffalo sauce over the pretzels right after they come out of the oven. Serve with additional sauce or ranch dressing for dipping to take the flavor over the top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
