Pretzel Knots With Beer Queso Food

SOFT PRETZEL KNOTS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the yeast and warm water. Allow to rest until bubbles begin to form. Add the flour, sugar, and salt. Beat with the hook attachment on low until soft dough begins to form. Turn up the speed to medium and knead the dough for five minutes. Cover the bowl and place in a warm area to rise for one hour. When the dough has doubled in size, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Turn the dough out on a floured surface and form into a long log shape. Cut even strips from the dough. Cut each strip in half and roll out into a thin strip. Twist the strip into a knot and set aside. When all the knots are formed, bring the four cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Dip each pretzel knot into the baking soda water, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Move all the dipped pretzels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread melted butter over each knot. Top all the pretzels with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pretzels are golden brown.

GUY'S KNOT FOR NUTHIN, EVERYTHING PRETZEL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a glass measuring cup, add the warm water and the yeast. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.
• In a food processor fitted with a dough blade, add the dry ingredients and the Parmesan and pulse together 3 times at 5 second intervals. Add in 1 egg and the warm water and yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together, pulse for 10 second intervals 3 times. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface or cutting board. Knead 10 to 12 times, adding a little flour, if sticky. Cut the dough in half and set aside.
• Roll out 1 piece of dough to a 12 by 17-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the Cheddar in the middle (short way). Fold 1/3 of the dough over, and sprinkle with 3/4 cup of the Cheddar. Fold the last third over and pinch the edges closed. Roll with a rolling pin to form an 11 by 15-inch rectangle. Cut into 1 1/2-inch lengthwise strips.
• Pinch the cut edges together and then roll into cigar shape. Form into a pretzel shape and put on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat. Repeat with second ball of dough.
• Beat the remaining egg and the milk in a small bowl. Mix well. Brush the formed pretzels with the egg mixture and then sprinkle evenly with the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes and kosher salt.
• Bake until nicely browned, about 16 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve warm or room temperature.

BEER CHEESE AND SOFT PRETZEL BITES

Steps:

• Make the soft pretzel bites: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a cooling rack covered with paper towels.
• Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large stockpot. (It may seem like a small amount of water for a large pot, but once you add baking soda it'll foam up.)
• While the water comes to a boil, place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a long rope. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
• When the water is boiling, add the baking soda and sugar. Cook the dough pieces, in batches, for 30 seconds. Drain on the paper towels.
• Whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl. Dip the tops of the pretzels in the egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake until the pretzel bites are nicely browned, 9 to 10 minutes.
• For the beer cheese: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook until foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beer until the mixture is smooth, then add the half-and-half. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce and House Seasoning. Gradually add the cheese and stir until smooth. Season to taste. Serve the pretzel bites with the beer cheese.
• Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

PRETZEL KNOTS WITH BEER QUESO

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F.
• Pretzels
• Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment; spray with cooking spray.
• Place pizza dough on lightly floured work surface. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into 5-inch-long rope, then tie into loose knot as shown in photo. Place on prepared baking sheets. Cover with clean dish towels; set aside.
• Bring 12 cups (3 qt.) water to boil in Dutch oven. Add baking soda; whisk until blended. Cover additional baking sheet with paper towels.
• Add dough, in small batches, to boiling water; cook 30 sec. to 1 min. or until dough floats to surface. Use slotted spoon to transfer dough to paper towel-covered baking sheet; let stand 1 min. to drain before returning to parchment-covered baking sheets, placing knots 2 inches apart.
• Beat egg with 1 Tbsp. water until blended; brush onto dough. Sprinkle with salt.
• Bake 18 to 22 min. or until pretzels are golden brown. Transfer to wire racks.
• Beer Queso
• Microwave queso ingredients in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 3 min.; stir. Continue to microwave and stir in 1-min. intervals until VELVEETA is completely melted and queso is well blended.
• Serve with pretzel knots.