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Pretzel Focaccia with Spiced Cheese Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 143 reviews

This Pretzel Focaccia recipe combines the soft, airy texture of traditional focaccia with the distinctive dark crust and flavor of pretzels. Paired with a rich, spiced cheese dipping sauce featuring sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses, this appetizer or snack offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting flavors. The dough is chilled overnight for a slow rise, then baked with a unique baking soda brushing that creates the iconic pretzel crust. Serve warm with the creamy, seasoned cheese sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

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Pretzel Focaccia

  • 6 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 packet dry yeast
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups warm water
  • 1/2 cup boiling water (for baking soda brushing)
  • 2 tbsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • Pretzel salt, for sprinkling

Cheese Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 oz beer
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 4 oz gruyere cheese (grated)
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast and Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine dry yeast and 3 cups warm water. Stir and let it sit until bubbles form, indicating yeast activation. In a separate medium bowl, mix 6 cups flour and 2 tsp salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Chill Dough: Cover the dough bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the dough to slowly rise and develop flavor.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheet: Generously grease a baking sheet first with melted butter, then with 2 tbsp avocado oil, spreading evenly to coat all corners and surfaces. This mixture helps create a pretzel-browned crust during baking.
  4. Shape Dough: Gently scrape the chilled dough onto the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to reach the edges and corners of the pan.
  5. Make Baking Soda Brushing Mixture: Boil 1/2 cup water. In a small bowl, stir 2 tbsp baking soda into the boiling water until dissolved. Using a pastry brush, brush this baking soda solution over the dough surface.
  6. Final Rise: Allow the dough to rise for an additional 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  7. Second Brush and Bake: Brush the dough once again with the baking soda mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking, brushing with melted butter and sprinkling pretzel salt for added flavor and browned crust.
  8. Cool the Focaccia: Once the focaccia has developed a deep pretzel-like brown crust, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make Cheese Dipping Sauce: In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour to form a smooth paste. Add 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
  10. Add Liquids and Cheese: Slowly stir in 1/2 cup milk and 4 oz beer, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, fold in 4 oz grated sharp cheddar and 4 oz grated gruyere cheese. Stir until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl to cool slightly.
  11. Serve: Slice the cooled focaccia and serve warm with the spiced cheese dipping sauce. Enjoy this flavorful appetizer or snack combination.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, chill the dough overnight to allow slow fermentation.
  • The baking soda wash is essential for creating the characteristic pretzel crust and color.
  • You can substitute avocado oil with another neutral oil if unavailable.
  • Adjust the spice level in the cheese sauce by varying the cayenne pepper amount.
  • Serve the cheese sauce warm but not too hot to avoid burning the cheese or your mouth.
  • Store leftover focaccia wrapped in foil or airtight container; reheat before serving.
  • This recipe yields a large baking sheet pan of focaccia, perfect for gatherings and parties.

Keywords: pretzel focaccia, cheese dipping sauce, appetizer, snack, spiced cheese sauce, homemade pretzel bread

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pretzel-focaccia-with-spiced-cheese-dipping-sauce-recipe/