Soft Pretzels with Everything Topping
I made this recipe for a tailgate gathering. It was a huge success! The recipe came about because I was working on another recipe from the Georgia Entertains cookbook and needed something that would be a nice accompaniment to the Athens Beer Cheese Dip (recipe link). These pretzels definitely accomplished the task! Even though salt pretzels are classic, my children love everything bagels, which led me use the everything seasoning for this recipes. The doughy inside paired perfectly with the cheese and beer flavors. These pretzels would also make a great accompaniment to soups or as a bun for leftover turkey sandwich.

Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
7 grams active dry yeast
22 ounces bread flour, sifted
4 ounces butter, melted
1 tablespoon oil
5 cups water
1/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Everything bagel mix
Method:
In a stand mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar and salt. Stir to mix.
Sprinkle the yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes until the yeast foams.
Add the flour and mix slowly with a wooden spoon.
Place the bowl on the stand mixer and using a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, swirl around the oil until the entire bowl is coated.
Place the dough in the oiled bowl. Cover and set it in a warm place to 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Remove the dough from the bowl, and cut into 10-12 segments.
Roll each segment into a 24’-long rope.
Make a U shape with each rope. Holding the ends of the rope, cross then over the middle, then press onto the bottom of the U.
Place the formed pretzels on a parchment lined and greased baking sheets.
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Slowly, drop the formed pretzels in the boiling water. Cook for 30 seconds.
Remove with a slotted spoon and return them to the baking sheet.
Brush with the egg yolk mixture.
Sprinkle with the Everything mixture.
Bake for 10- 12 minutes.
Place on a wire rack to cool.