Soft Pretzels or Breadsticks with Swiss Cheese Dip

Soft, golden, and perfectly chewy, these homemade Soft Pretzels or Breadsticks with Swiss Cheese Dip are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Crafted with a simple yeast dough and boiled to achieve that classic pretzel texture, these treats can be shaped into traditional loops or served as breadsticks for a grab-and-go option. The secret to their irresistible flavor lies in the quick baking soda bath, which gives them their signature rich color and subtle tang. Paired with a velvety Swiss cheese dip infused with Dijon mustard for a hint of sharpness, this recipe is perfect for sharing at parties, cozy movie nights, or game-day gatherings. With just 30 minutes of prep time, these homemade pretzels and breadsticks are easy to make yet taste bakery-fresh. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.67 cup baking soda
• 10 cups water
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1.5 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dip)
• 1.5 cups milk (for dip)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Add 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. If the dough feels sticky, add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.

Step 7

Turn the risen dough onto a work surface and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into pretzel shapes or breadstick logs.

Step 8

Using a slotted spatula, carefully dip each pretzel/breadstick into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the boiled pretzels or breadsticks.

Step 10

Sprinkle the tops with kosher salt if desired and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11

While the pretzels are baking, prepare the Swiss cheese dip. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 12

Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.

Step 13

Gradually pour in the 1.5 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 14

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Step 15

Serve the warm pretzels or breadsticks with the Swiss cheese dip on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4050.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3171.1

Total Fat 114.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 508.6mg	0%
Sodium 41358.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 418.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 33.0g
Protein 117.7g	0%

Vitamin D 245.2IU	0%
Calcium 2225.8mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 1401.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.5%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 52.7%