These Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are a delicious homemade take on classic brewery-style pretzels! Perfectly soft and chewy on the inside with a golden, parmesan-coated crust, these pretzels pair beautifully with a creamy, rich hard cider cheese sauce. Ideal for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, this fall-inspired recipe is a must-try for any cheese and pretzel lover!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soft Pretzels:

1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 ¼ tsp yeast
3 ½ cups flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
6 tbsp melted butter, divided
½ cup baking soda
1 egg
½ cup grated parmesan

For the Hard Cider Cheese Sauce:

1 ½ cups shredded gruyere cheese
1 ½ cups shredded caramelized onion cheddar (or regular cheddar)
1 cup shredded gouda
¼ cup flour
1 cup hard cider (dry)
¼ cup light cream

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast mixture, salt, sugar, and 1 tbsp melted butter.
Mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium until the dough forms a smooth ball (4-5 minutes).

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover.
Let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 3: Boil the Pretzels

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bring 8 cups of water with baking soda to a rolling boil.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels.
Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Beat 1 egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over the pretzels.

Step 4: Bake the Pretzels

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Make the Hard Cider Cheese

Toss shredded cheeses with ¼ cup flour.
In a saucepan, bring hard cider to a simmer, then stir in light cream.
Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheese mixture, melting until smooth.

Step 6: Coat the Pretzels

Brush baked pretzels with remaining melted butter and press into grated parmesan.
Serve warm with hard cider cheese sauce!

Nutrients (Per Pretzel with Cheese Sauce – Approx. 8 Servings)

Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 2g

Why You’ll Love These Soft Pretzels

These pretzels are so much more than your average soft pretzel. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your favorite homemade snack:

Soft, Chewy, and Golden Brown – The perfect texture with a crisp outer crust and a soft, pillowy interior.
Coated in Buttery Parmesan – Gives each bite a salty, cheesy crunch that takes these pretzels to the next level.
Paired with a Unique Hard Cider Cheese Sauce – A smooth, melty cheese dip with a subtle tang from dry hard cider.
Easier to Make Than You Think – No need to be a pro baker—this dough is easy to work with and bakes beautifully.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at game nights, Oktoberfest celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just as a fun weekend treat.

The Secret to Perfect Soft Pretzels

Homemade soft pretzels may seem intimidating, but a few key steps ensure they turn out soft, chewy, and flavorful:

The Baking Soda Bath – Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking creates that deep golden-brown color and slightly crisp exterior.
Brushing with Butter – Immediately brushing with melted butter after baking locks in moisture and adds richness.
Pressing into Parmesan – Instead of just sprinkling cheese on top, pressing the pretzels into parmesan ensures an even, flavorful coating.

The Magic of Hard Cider Cheese Sauce

This hard cider cheese sauce is a must-try for any cheese lover. Unlike standard cheese dips, this version features three kinds of cheese, combined with dry hard cider for a rich, slightly tangy flavor that enhances the pretzels perfectly.

Why Use Hard Cider? The sweetness and acidity of dry hard cider balance out the creaminess of the cheese, creating a more complex, layered taste.
Best Cheeses for the Sauce – A mix of gruyere, gouda, and cheddar ensures the perfect balance of sharpness, meltiness, and depth.
How to Get the Smoothest Texture – Tossing the cheese in a little flour before melting prevents clumping and ensures a silky, smooth consistency.

How to Customize Your Pretzels and Cheese Sauce

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile and adaptable it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Try Different Cheeses – Swap out gouda or gruyere for fontina, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar.
Add a Kick of Spice – Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat in the cheese sauce.
Use Beer Instead of Hard Cider – If you prefer a more traditional beer cheese dip, swap the cider for a light ale or lager.
Make Them Sweet Instead of Savory – Skip the parmesan coating and sprinkle the pretzels with cinnamon sugar instead for a dessert version.
Add Garlic Butter – Brushing the pretzels with garlic-infused butter before adding the parmesan creates an even richer, more aromatic flavor.

Best Ways to Serve These Pretzels

These soft pretzels are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As an Appetizer for Game Night – The perfect finger food for football Sundays, tailgates, or casual get-togethers.
For a Cozy Movie Night – Dip them in cheese while curled up on the couch with a great film.
With a Cold Beer or Hard Cider – The flavors pair beautifully with crisp, slightly bitter drinks.
At an Oktoberfest Celebration – Serve with bratwurst, mustard, and sauerkraut for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.
As Part of a Cheese Board – Cut the pretzels into bite-sized pieces and serve with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and fruit.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftover pretzels (which is unlikely!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration – Store pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cheese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze uncoated pretzels in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before brushing with butter and pressing into parmesan.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven – Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore freshness.
- Microwave – Heat in 15-second intervals, but note that they may become softer.
- Stovetop (For the Cheese Sauce) – Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk or cider if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the pretzel dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made the night before and refrigerated, then shaped and baked fresh.

What type of hard cider works best?
A dry hard cider works best, as it provides a subtle tang without too much sweetness. Avoid overly sweet ciders.

Can I make these pretzels without the cheese sauce?
Absolutely! They’re delicious on their own, or you can pair them with mustard, hummus, or marinara sauce instead.

Can I use a bread machine or stand mixer?
Yes! A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easy, and a bread machine can handle the dough-making process for you.

What if I don’t have parmesan?
You can use pecorino romano, asiago, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as a topping instead.

Conclusion

These Soft Pretzels with Parmesan and Hard Cider Cheese are the perfect homemade twist on a pub favorite, delivering chewy, buttery pretzels with a crispy parmesan crust, paired with a rich, creamy cider-infused cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a fun baking project, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

With easy-to-follow steps, endless customization options, and flavors that rival your favorite gastropub, these pretzels will quickly become a go-to snack for any occasion. Try them today and experience the perfect balance of salty, cheesy, and indulgent flavors in every bite!

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