Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels! This epic recipe is an absolute INSANE twist on a classic – and I promise, it’ll have you coming back for more. We’re talking the ultimate salty-sweet combo, with crispy, golden-brown pretzels packed with smoky bacon and melty cheddar. Get ready for some serious food jealousy, folks, because this dish is about to become a legendary staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels
These pretzels are an absolute game-changer, y’all! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgence. Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy-soft pretzel, only to be hit with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and gooey cheddar. It’s a flavor explosion that’s going to have your taste buds doing a happy dance. And the best part? This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a fall festival, a game day party, or just need a seriously delicious snack. Trust me, these pretzels are about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients
To make these Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The star of the show is, of course, the bacon and cheddar cheese, but we’ll also be using basic pretzel dough ingredients like flour, yeast, and baking soda. Get ready to smash some flavor barriers, y’all!
- 1 lb – Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1 packet – Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1 tbsp – Baking soda
- 1 cup – Warm water
- 2 tbsp – Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella or Gruyère (both will melt beautifully)
- Bacon: Diced ham or crumbled sausage (for a non-bacon option)
How to Make Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Making these Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels is actually super easy, and the end result is absolutely epic.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, you’ll need to cook up some crispy bacon. I like to bake mine in the oven until it’s nice and crunchy, but you can also use the stovetop method if you prefer. Once the bacon is cooked, chop it up into small pieces and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, you’ll make the pretzel dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and baking soda. Slowly add in the warm water and melted butter, and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rise for about an hour, then punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, it’s time to shape the pretzels! Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, then twist it into a pretzel shape. Carefully transfer the pretzels to a baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Gently drop the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them cook for about 30 seconds per side. Remove the pretzels from the water and place them back on the baking sheet. Top each one with the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, bake the pretzels in a preheated oven until they’re golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve these epic Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels warm, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. Trust me, they’re about to become the star of your next fall gathering!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, or even throw in some diced jalapeños for a little kick.
- Stuffed Pretzels: Try stuffing the pretzels with even more delicious fillings, like pulled pork or buffalo chicken.
- Seasoning Options: Sprinkle the baked pretzels with everything bagel seasoning or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mustard, beer cheese dip, or your favorite pretzel dipping sauces.
Storage: Store baked pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: The pretzel dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake.
Nutrition Information
These Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels may be a flavor explosion, but they’re also packed with some pretty amazing nutrients. Each serving (that’s one pretzel, in case you were wondering) contains around 300 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of carbs, and a whopping 14g of protein. That’s a pretty epic way to fuel your day, if you ask me!
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the pretzels to be nice and chewy?
The key to achieving that perfect chewy texture is in the boiling step. Make sure to let the pretzels cook in the baking soda-infused water for 30 seconds per side – this helps create that classic pretzel crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pretzel dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and twisting.
How do I get the bacon and cheese to stay on the pretzels?
To ensure the bacon and cheese don’t slide off, be sure to top the pretzels right after you take them out of the boiling water. The hot surface will help the toppings adhere perfectly.
Can I freeze these pretzels?
You sure can! Baked and cooled pretzels can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat the pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also quickly reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose a bit of their signature chewiness.
Try These Next
- Ultimate Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
- Creamy Cheddar Garlic Bacon Dip
- Loaded Bacon And Cheddar Chili Skillet Bake
Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
Description
These Fall Festival Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels are the perfect blend of savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and the warm flavors of fall spices. Perfect for snacking or sharing at autumn gatherings!
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 tbsp granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 large egg (for egg wash)
– Coarse sea salt (for topping)
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
3. 2. Add flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 24 inches long) and shape into a pretzel.
8. 7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ¼ cup of baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
9. 8. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
10. 9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
– For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the dough.
– Serve with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg