Soft Pretzel Sticks with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Forget about that pretzel stand at the mall, and start making your own at home. These will be such a hit with your family; next time you’ll be making a double batch. Coarse salt is traditional, but try sprinkling on some of the Everything Seasoning that’s so popular now for another tasty option.

Step: 1

Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and yellow mustard in a small bowl, and store in the refrigerator while preparing pretzel sticks.

Step: 2

Mix yeast and brown sugar in a small bowl; add warm water, and whisk until sugar dissolves. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Step: 3

Mix flour and salt together in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Add canola oil and gradually pour in the yeast mixture, kneading until smooth and silky, 4 to 5 minutes. If the dough is very sticky, knead in more flour.

Step: 4

Shape dough into a ball and transfer to a large greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

Step: 5

Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and cut into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a stick about 7 inches long. Place sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; let rest uncovered for about 25 minutes.

Step: 6

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step: 7

Pour about 5 quarts of water in a large, deep pot; stir in baking soda. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Carefully place pretzel sticks in the simmering water in batches for 30 seconds, flipping after 15 seconds. Remove from water and let drain on paper towels.

Step: 8

Transfer the sticks back to the baking sheet. Brush lightly with butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step: 9

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with the honey mustard dipping sauce.

Per Serving: 216 calories; protein 3.6g; carbohydrates 31.9g; fat 8.3g; cholesterol 6.8mg; sodium 1652.3mg.

The best flavour of the flour could make a real difference to your bread. Different brands do vary. Extra-strong or Canadian flours, which are bet higher in gluten, may give you a better rise than standard dough flours – especially if you’re making wholemeal bread , which not always rise as well as white bread.

To make this in a dough , add all the ingredients to your breadmaker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

A dough’s first rising can be done in the fridge overnight . This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It’s also a great limit , as you can work it night before , then finish it off the next day.