What are some of the best Cheesy Pretzel Sticks? I remember the first time I made these, it was a total game changer. They’re like the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of your average pretzel, but instead of just being a candy bar. What are some of the best cheesy goodness baked right in your mouth? If you love pizza and soft pretzels, imagine the best of both worlds colliding in one. What is a good snack? What is your favorite recipe for cheesy pretzel sticks? Is it true that they disappear fast and I’m not mad about it?
What are Cheesy Pretzel Sticks?
What are some of the best Cheesy Pretzel Sticks? What is essentially a soft pretzel dough that’s swirled with cheese and baked to perfection. Is it golden perfection, then brushed with melted butter? What are some of the best ways to make a stick at home? What are the cheesy, soft and utterly delicious sticks that are hard to make? I’ve seen variations with different cheeses and toppings, but the core concept remains the same: cheese. Toppers. What is a delicious combination of pretzel bread and gooey cheese?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love Cheesy Pretzel Sticks? First off, the flavor is absolutely amazing. What’s the difference between the salty, chewy texture of pretzel dough and the rich, savory texture? What is the taste of melted cheese? What I love most about these are how surprisingly easy they are to make. I know, making bread from scratch can seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is super easy to make. What is What are some of the ingredients you already have in your pantry? How can I always have all purpose flour in my pantry! The best part? These are incredibly versatile. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with your favorite soup? My kids love them, and they’re always a hit at parties. What are some of the best pretzel-like dough recipes? What are some of the best Cheesy Recipes? What are some of the best pretzel sticks?
How do I make Cheesy Pretzel Sticks?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cheesy Pretzel Sticks? What is the first step in making dough? Once the dough is ready, you’ll roll it out, spread a generous layer of your favorite cheese. What is the best way to slice a stick? After baking, you brush them with melted butter for an extra touch of flavor. I promise, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down enough to eat!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Is there a
– 3 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best texture.
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for the dough to rise properly.
– 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
– 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F): The right temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
– 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to dough.
– 1 tablespoon sugar: Helps the yeast activate.
For the Filling:
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can use any cheese you like.
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
– 2 tablespoons softened butter: Helps the cheese mixture spread easily.
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the cheese.
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Optional, but it adds a nice herbal touch.
For the Glaze:
– 4 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and a beautiful shine to baked sticks.
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Optional, but it enhances the overall flavor.
How do I learn step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment. How do I stop sticks from sticking and make cleanup easy? Trust me, I learned this the hard way after one particularly messy batch!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined so that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This ensures a consistent rise. I always make sure the salt and yeast don’t come into direct contact because that can hinder the fermentation process. What is yeast’s
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and olive oil. Set aside. The water should be warm but not too hot – think bathwater temperature. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. I usually stick my finger in it, and if it feels comfortably warm, it’s good to go.
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms? Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth. When you make a smooth surface, it becomes elastic If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at .50. If it is sticky enough to handle, then add more water. If you add too much, the sticks will be tough. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Make sure you make a few small pieces.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese and softened butter. Set aside. Garlic powder, and dried oregano (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. How do I mix butter and cheese? I usually leave mine out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one of the long sides. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. What is the best way to slice a log into 1-inch thick sticks? Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the seeds are tender. When cheese is melted, it becomes bubbly. What are the best baking times to bake in your oven? I always check my notes at the 15 minute mark and add a few more minutes if needed.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While the sticks are still warm, brush them with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful shine and add an extra layer of flavor. I like to mix garlic powder into melted butter for an extra kick. Let the sticks cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to another wire rack. How do I cool completely How do I keep them from getting soggy on the bottom?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the sticks are cool enough to handle, slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. What are some of the best dipping sauces? I love serving these with a creamy cheese dip or marinara sauce.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Cheesy Pretzel Sticks?
For Lunch:What are some good Side Dishes to serve with soups? What are some good alternatives to sliced bread?
For Brunch:What are some good side dishes to serve with marinara sauce? It also pairs well with most breakfast and brunch foods.
As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve as a side dish? If you have a sweet tooth, you can make glazes with some sweetness.
For Cozy Snacks:I usually serve these with a bowl of tomato soup. What is the perfect combination for a chilly evening? My family loves it when I make this on movie nights!
What are some of my favorite things to bring to parties? They are always a hit, and everyone loves them. I often get asked for the recipe, and I’m always happy to share it!
How do I make Cheesy Pretzel Sticks?
Want to take your Cheesy Pretzel Sticks to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Yeast Prep: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, it’s a good idea to test it before you start. Just add a teaspoon of yeast to a 1/4 cup of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it doesn’t start to bubble within 5-10 minutes, it’s probably dead, and you’ll need to get a new packet.
Mixing Advice: When kneading the dough, be careful not to add too much flour. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If you add too much flour, the sticks will be tough.
Cheese Customization: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. I’ve used mozzarella, provolone, and even pepper jack cheese with great results. Just make sure the cheese is shredded or grated so that it melts evenly.
Ingredient Swaps: For a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. I’ve also used Greek yogurt instead of butter in the cheese filling to reduce the fat content.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the sticks while they’re baking. Baking times can vary depending on your oven. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil to prevent them from burning.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! I’ve added everything from garlic powder and Italian seasoning to red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. You can even make a sweet glaze by mixing melted butter with honey or maple syrup.
I’ve learned so many of these tips through trial and error. I even had a batch that came out far too salty! Now I know to be conservative with the salt.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Cheesy Pretzel Sticks (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Store the sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be tasty the next day.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the sticks in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the sticks, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add the glaze just before serving, especially if you’re storing the sticks in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or melting.
Reheating: To reheat the sticks, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but they may become a bit chewy. I prefer the oven method for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Cheesy Pretzel Sticks! They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack for movie night or a tasty appetizer for a party, these sticks are sure to be a hit. If you love these pretzel sticks I think you’d also like my recipe for homemade soft pretzels with beer cheese, which is very similar but includes a delicious and easy to make cheese sauce! I really hope you give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Happy baking!
Cheesy Pretzel Sticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2.25 tsp granulated sugar
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup coarse sea salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into strips and twist into pretzel shapes.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
