Name: Homemade Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water; 1 Tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons); 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup melted butter; 10 cups water; 2/3 cups baking soda; Non-stick cooking spray; Pretzel Salt; 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1 – 4 oz packet Velveeta cheese sauce; 1/3 cup Salsa Verde; Salt to taste

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If you are craving a fun and utterly satisfying snack, you have to try this Homemade Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce Recipe. These pretzels are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside with a beautifully golden crust on the outside. When dipped into the rich, tangy, and creamy cheddar salsa verde cheese sauce, every bite bursts with incredible flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game night, craving a cozy treat, or just love bread with a twist, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a single large layer of white dough that looks soft and puffy, with small air bubbles on the surface. The dough fills most of the bowl and has a smooth and slightly uneven texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, which adds a clean and bright background to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by this recipe; it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Each component plays an important role in the perfect texture and taste of these soft pretzels and the luscious cheese sauce that accompanies them.

Warm water: activates the yeast and helps form a smooth dough.
Sugar: feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.
Kosher salt: enhances flavor and sits beautifully on the pretzel crust.
Active dry yeast: the essential rising agent that gives the pretzels their soft, airy texture.
All-purpose flour: provides structure and a tender crumb to the dough.
Melted butter: adds richness to the dough and a lovely finishing shine when brushed on.
Baking soda: creates the signature pretzel crust when boiled in water before baking.
Egg yolk and water mixture: helps give the pretzels a golden, glossy finish.
Pretzel salt: adds that classic salty crunch on top.
Butter (for sauce): the base for the cheese sauce, lending a velvety texture.
Flour (for sauce): thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk: smooths out the cheese sauce and makes it creamy.
Grated cheddar cheese: delivers sharp, tangy cheese flavor that melds wonderfully.
Velveeta cheese sauce packet: adds extra creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salsa Verde: adds a vibrant, zesty kick to the cheese sauce that makes it irresistible.
Salt to taste: balances the flavors perfectly.
Non-stick cooking spray: prevents sticking during rising and shaping.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast with warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. When the mixture froths, it’s ready! Incorporate flour and melted butter, then knead the dough on medium speed until it’s smooth and slightly elastic. Let it rise in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap, until it has doubled in size — this usually takes about 50 to 55 minutes. This step is crucial for that soft, pillowy texture.

Step 2: Shape the Pretzels

After the dough has risen, divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope — aim for around 24 inches. Shape each rope into the classic pretzel form by making a U, crossing the ends over, twisting them, and pressing them down onto the bottom of the U. This shaping is not only fun but guarantees that familiar pretzel look that’s so inviting!

Step 3: Boil and Bake the Pretzels

Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds — this creates that distinctive chewy crust. Place the pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush with the egg yolk wash, and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt. Bake at 450°F for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until they turn a rich, dark golden brown. The smell in your kitchen alone will have everyone eager to dive in.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce

While the pretzels are baking, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Slowly add milk while whisking until it thickens into a rich roux. Stir in grated cheddar cheese and the Velveeta cheese sauce packet, mixing until silky smooth. Finally, blend in the salsa verde and let the sauce simmer on low for about 20 minutes. This results in a creamy, zesty dip that pairs perfectly with the warm pretzels.

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a golden brown soft pretzel stick with visible coarse salt crystals on top, dipping it into thick, creamy cheese sauce with a smooth texture and a light yellow color, served inside a small black bowl. Part of another soft pretzel is seen on the right side, resting next to the bowl on a textured woven mat surface that will be changed to white marble texture. The photo is warm and inviting with a clear focus on the dipping action. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your pretzels even further, consider adding some fresh garnishes like finely chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the cheese sauce for an extra pop of color and flavor. A light brush of melted butter on the pretzels right out of the oven ensures they stay soft and shiny, making every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks such as crisp carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber slices — their crunch contrasts nicely with the soft pretzel and creamy dip. A cool, crisp salad can also balance the richness if you’re serving this as part of a larger meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the pretzels in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin and place the cheddar salsa verde cheese sauce in a rustic bowl at the center. You could also serve mini pretzel bites alongside small shot glasses filled with the cheese sauce for easy dipping — it’s a crowd-pleasing, playful presentation that encourages sharing and smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pretzels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They might lose a bit of their original crispness but can easily be revived with a quick toast in the oven.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped pretzels by placing them on a tray first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Frozen pretzels will keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready, boil and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pretzels in a 350°F oven for around 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their crust while keeping the inside soft and chewy. For cheese sauce, reheat gently on the stovetop or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring often to maintain smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! The recipe already calls for active dry yeast, which you should proof in warm water to activate it. Instant yeast can be used too but should be mixed directly with the flour.

How important is the baking soda bath?

It’s essential for giving pretzels their classic crust and flavor. The alkalinity of the baking soda reacts with the dough, helping create the chewy exterior and that beautiful dark brown color when baked.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheddar salsa verde cheese sauce up to a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. Just be sure to stir occasionally to keep it smooth.

What if I don’t have salsa verde?

You can substitute with pesto or a mild green chili sauce, but salsa verde gives a uniquely fresh and piquant flavor that really makes the sauce pop.

Is it possible to make these pretzels gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for structure, experimenting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread can work, but results may vary due to differences in gluten development.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully comforting about biting into warm, soft pretzels dipped in a rich, tangy cheddar salsa verde cheese sauce. This Homemade Soft Pretzels with Cheddar Salsa Verde Cheese Sauce Recipe is not just a snack; it’s an experience that brings a smile and a sense of satisfaction every time. I truly hope you give it a try soon and share the joy with your friends and family — it’s a delicious adventure waiting in your kitchen!