Pin it Soft golden brown pretzel sticks with sweet potato and savory cheddar are an outstanding snack or appetizer for sharing at gatherings. The hint of sweetness from the sweet potato pairs beautifully with melty cheese and a classic pretzel twist.
I first made these for a game night with friends and they disappeared in minutes. The sweet potato keeps the inside pillowy and moist while cheddar provides the perfect savory kick.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 cup (230 g) cooked mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato), 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour plus more for dusting, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- Filling: 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Poaching Solution: 8 cups (2 L) water, ⅓ cup (80 g) baking soda
- Topping: 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese, Coarse sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl combine warm milk brown sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough:
- Stir in mashed sweet potato melted butter and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise Dough:
- Place dough in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Sticks:
- Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle sprinkle with cheddar cheese and roll tightly into a stick. Pinch seams to seal.
- Poach Pretzel Sticks:
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each pretzel stick into the boiling solution for 30 seconds then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Top and Bake:
- Brush each stick with beaten egg sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese and coarse salt. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before serving.
Pin it My kids request these pretzel sticks every weekend. We love shaping the dough together and adding extra cheese as a special touch before baking.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl saucepan baking sheet parchment paper slotted spoon and pastry brush make prep and assembly easy.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten milk and egg. Double-check cheese and other ingredients if managing allergies in your household.
Nutritional Information
Each pretzel stick has about 210 calories 6 g total fat 32 g carbohydrates and 7 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy these soft flavorful pretzel sticks warm from the oven with your favorite dip. They freeze well so you can make a batch ahead for later snacking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Yes, try gruyère, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese to match your taste preferences.
- → Do I need to use baking soda in the poaching solution?
Baking soda gives pretzel sticks their classic flavor and chewy texture, so it's recommended for authentic results.
- → Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it after the initial rise, and shape when ready to bake.
- → Can these pretzel sticks be frozen?
Freeze baked pretzel sticks in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to restore texture and flavor.
- → What dips pair well with these sticks?
Honey mustard, spicy cheese dip, or ranch dressing make excellent accompaniments for these savory sticks.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain no meat, but do include milk, egg, and cheese. Check ingredients if dietary restrictions apply.