Cheese And Pretzels: The Perfect Pairing Guide

Pretzels and cheese make for a delightful snack, but choosing the right cheese to pair with your pretzel can be tricky. There are many options to choose from, each with its own unique flavour and texture. For example, cheddar cheese is a classic choice for pretzels, with its sharp and tangy flavours complementing the saltiness of the pretzel. On the other hand, gouda cheese, with its smooth and creamy texture, offers a mild and nutty flavour that pairs well with the salty snack.

Cheddar cheese sauce

A cheddar cheese sauce is a perfect pairing for pretzels. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the saltiness of the pretzel, creating a delightful savoury snack.

Ingredients:

• Butter – salted or unsalted
• Flour – unbleached, all-purpose
• Milk – whole milk is best, but low-fat or heavy whip will also work
• Cheddar Cheese – sharp cheddar is recommended, shredded
• Salt

Optional Ingredients:

• Hot Sauce
• Cayenne Pepper or Chilli Powder
• Cream Cheese
• Beer
• Mustard

Method:

First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, whisk in the flour and continue whisking until a thick paste forms, this should take about a minute. Now, gradually add the milk, whisking as you pour. Allow this mixture to cook uncovered until it has thickened. Remove from the heat and add the cheese and salt, whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Tips:

• If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
• For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
• For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
• For a beer cheese dip, substitute half the milk with beer.
• For a mustard cheese dip, add a tablespoon or two of mustard.
• This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, stirring to avoid cold spots.

Blue cheese

A gourmet snack, blue cheese mini pretzels are irresistible and make a fabulous everyday snack or holiday treat. You can also make blue cheese pretzels at home. One recipe suggests crumbling blue cheese and mixing it with flour, salt, yeast, egg, and melted butter. After kneading the dough, cut out pretzel shapes and top with egg wash, sesame seeds, and extra grated cheese. Bake until golden brown.

While blue cheese is a less common choice for pretzel dips, it can be used as a component of a cheese sauce. One recipe for a liquid cheese sauce that pairs well with pretzel bites includes extra sharp cheddar cheese, water, and sodium citrate. However, blue cheese is on the list of cheeses the author intends to try, along with feta and gorgonzola.

Brie cheese

There are several ways to enjoy brie cheese with pretzels. One option is to make brie-stuffed pretzel bites. To make these, you can divide the dough into small pieces, place a small piece of brie in the centre of each, and then seal and shape the dough around the cheese. After baking, these bites will have a hot, melty, creamy centre.

Another option is to bake brie and serve it with pretzels for dipping. You can add various toppings to the brie, such as honey, garlic, thyme, or fig jam. Serving baked brie with seasoned pretzels on the side creates an easy and impressive appetizer that your guests will love.

You can also try making a cheese sauce with brie and using it as a dip for pretzels. This sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, and shredded brie cheese, and it's a perfect pairing with soft pretzel bites.

So, whether you choose to stuff pretzels with brie, bake brie and serve it with pretzels, or make a brie cheese sauce for dipping, you're sure to enjoy the delicious combination of brie cheese and pretzels.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese to pair with pretzels, with many recipes available online for mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels. This combination is a delightful twist on the classic soft pretzel, offering a soft, chewy texture with a gooey, melty mozzarella filling. The salty richness of the pretzel is elevated by the mild, creamy flavour of the mozzarella, creating a harmonious interplay of savoury, sweet and salty elements.

Mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer or comforting treat. They are perfect for parties, game nights or casual gatherings, and can be customised with various toppings and dips. The pretzels are best served warm and fresh out of the oven to maximise the gooeyness of the cheese. They pair well with a crisp, cold pilsner or a light wheat beer, and for non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple cider or freshly brewed iced tea are excellent choices.

To make mozzarella-stuffed pretzels, you will need store-bought or homemade pizza dough, mozzarella cheese sticks, and flaky salt. The dough is rolled out and wrapped around the cheese sticks, creating a seal to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. The pretzels are then boiled in a baking soda water bath, which is crucial for achieving the signature chewy texture and golden crust. After boiling, the pretzels are brushed with an egg wash, sprinkled with salt, and baked in the oven until golden brown.

Mozzarella-stuffed pretzels can also be made with additional ingredients such as herbs, garlic powder, or everything bagel seasoning. For a sweet version, the pretzels can be filled with cream cheese and topped with cinnamon sugar instead of salt. The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and it is important to ensure a tight seal around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.

Goat cheese

One option is to create a cheese ball using goat cheese as the base. This can be made by combining room-temperature goat cheese with honey, and then rolling it into small balls. For an added crunch, coat the cheese balls with a mixture of crushed pretzels and pistachios. This sweet and savoury snack is perfect for those who enjoy contrasting flavours and textures.

Another way to incorporate goat cheese into your pretzel snacks is by making pretzel bites or nuggets. Dip small pieces of goat cheese in an egg wash and then coat them with crushed pretzels. You can either shallow fry or bake these until the pretzel coating is golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for those who want a more substantial snack.

When choosing a type of pretzel to pair with goat cheese, consider the different flavours and textures available. For example, sweet and spicy pretzels can add a kick to your goat cheese snacks, while garlic pretzels can enhance the savouriness of the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of pretzels, such as soft pretzels or pretzel rolls, to find the perfect pairing for your goat cheese creations.

In conclusion, goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pretzel snacks. Whether you're looking for a sweet or savoury option, there are numerous ways to incorporate goat cheese into your pretzel pairings for a unique and tasty treat.

Frequently asked questions