Queso Blanco Smothered Soft Pretzel Board

• 2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 cups queso blanco cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

Steps

1. 1 In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2 Add salt, flour, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3 Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes, then place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. 4 Preheat oven to 375°F. Divide dough into 12 equal portions and shape into pretzels.
5. 5 Brush pretzels with egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. 6 For the queso, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in queso blanco until melted.
7. 7 Add cumin, chili powder, and cayenne to the queso. Stir until smooth.
8. 8 Arrange warm pretzels on a serving board and smother with the queso.
9. 9 Garnish with green onions and diced tomatoes before serving.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan

Variations

• Add diced jalapeños to the queso for a spicy twist.
• Use beer in the pretzel dough for a deeper flavor.

Substitutions

• If queso blanco is unavailable, substitute with Monterey Jack cheese.
• For dairy-free, use a vegan cheese alternative and coconut cream.

Pairings

• Spicy pickled vegetables
• Guacamole and salsa

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of coarse salt on pretzels before baking.
• Keep the queso warm in a heat-safe dish while assembling the board.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Queso can be reheated on the stove over low heat.

Freezing: Pretzels freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven. Queso does not freeze well.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of spicy pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Pair with a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA.

FAQ