Tailgate Tuesday: Soft Pretzels

(note: Tailgate Tuesday posts are special features written for the SideLion Report from us gals of The Thrifty Table. Check in every Tuesday for a new recipe perfect for that week's tailgate party!)

Soft pretzels are a delicious snack and would be a huge hit for a tailgate! We made some pretzels with kosher salt and some with a cinnamon and sugar topping. If you want to spice it up, serve with dipping sauces, such as cheese salsa or honey mustard.

Soft Pretzels (Makes 6-8 pretzels)

Ingredients
3 C flour
1 T dry yeast
1 t sugar
2 T softened butter
1 1/3 C water
1/4 t salt

3 C water
3 T baking soda
2 T melted butter
coarse sea salt or other toppings*

Directions
Preheat oven to 450F.

In a stand mixer or large bowl, stir 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, and 2 tbs. butter. Add 1 1/3 cups of water. Let the mixture stand until bubbles form (about 15 minutes). Stir in the salt and gradually stir in the remaining 2 cups of flour until dough can be picked up a kneaded. Knead bread for about 8 minutes (or use dough hook on a stand mixer) until it is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.

Put 3 cups of water into a wide sauce pan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, divide dough into 6-8 pieces and let rest for a few minutes on a floured surface. Roll, loop, and twist into a pretzel shape.

When the water is boiling, remove from heat and add 3 tbs. of baking soda. Use a slotted spatula to dip pretzels into the water for about 45 seconds, one at a time. Place pretzels on a greased baking sheet. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt*. Bake 8-10 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

*Variations: cinnamon and sugar, or cheese and pepperoni