Auntie Anne's Cheddar Cheese Pretzel (Copycat Recipe)

Enjoy the warm, soft, and chewy goodness of homemade pretzels with a cheesy twist! This Auntie Anne's Cheddar Cheese Pretzel copycat recipe captures the iconic flavors of the beloved snack, featuring a golden-brown crust and a rich cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer, these pretzels are sure to delight cheese lovers and are easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
7. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.