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Cheddar Beef Bacon Dip with Perfect Pretzel Sticks Recipe

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these soft, chewy pretzel sticks paired with a rich and creamy cheddar beef bacon dip. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 strips)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of warm water (between 110°F and 115°F) and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle in 1 packet of active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Once frothy, add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough begins to form. You may need to use your hands to incorporate the flour fully. Avoid over-mixing to keep the pretzel sticks tender.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when pressed gently. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be cautious not to make it dry.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Be patient; this step is crucial for a fluffy texture.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
  7. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. This creates the classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture. Carefully drop each pretzel stick into the boiling water, cooking for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Brush each pretzel stick with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
  9. While the pretzel sticks are baking, prepare the cheddar beef bacon dip. In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  10. Once the pretzel sticks are golden brown and your dip is well-mixed, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with the cheddar beef bacon dip on the side, garnished with fresh chopped chives.

Nutrition

Keywords: For perfectly shaped pretzel sticks, use a kitchen scale to ensure each piece of dough is the same weight. Don't skip the boiling step in baking soda water; it’s crucial for that authentic pretzel flavor and chewy texture.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/cheddar-beef-bacon-dip-with-perfect-pretzel-sticks-recipe/