Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Sticks

Servings: 6

Total time: 35 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 (14-ounce) can of refrigerated pizza dough

6 cheddar cheese sticks

6 cups water

⅓ cup baking soda

1 egg (beaten)

3 tablespoons Diamond Crystal® California Sea Salt

1 cup dark beer

4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Unroll dough and stretch to form a large rectangle. Cut dough widthwise into 6 even strips. Place 1 cheese stick in the center of each piece of dough. Wrap dough around the cheese and pinch to seal ends.

Place water in a large pot or deep skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in baking soda and bring mixture to a boil. Place dough sticks into the baking soda water and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring beer to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and stir until combined. Stir in cheddar and cayenne, and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth. Pour into a serving bowl and serve with pretzel sticks.