The very first time I ever made soft pretzels, it was in honor of the start of spring training for the Milwaukee Brewers. Then I went on a soft pretzel spree and did an entire week of posts devoted to soft pretzels. And then I was sick of soft pretzels and didn’t make any for six months.
It seems only appropriate that my return to soft pretzel baking aligns with the National League Championship Series. Soft pretzels to kick off the season and soft pretzels to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers.
On Monday, I made an entirely stadium-themed dinner for us to eat during the game. It was a painful game to watch, but at least we had a great meal.
Soft pretzel sticks with southwestern cheese dip + sweet Italian sausage. I didn’t have time to photograph the sausage before the game began, so instead you get a photo of a Milwaukee Sweet Italian Sausage.
But really, that was a painful game to watch. Here’s hoping the rest of this week goes better.
Go Brewers! If you are a Cardinals fan, I’m sorry, but we can’t be friends for the next week.
Southwestern Cheese Dip
For this dip, I used Garlic Gold’s new Southwestern nuggets. However, you could also use garlic powder and your own southwestern spice blend.
Makes about 1 1/2 – 2 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup Garlic Gold Southwestern nuggets
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly.
Stir in half the milk and all of the cheese. Stir constantly for 3 minutes, then add the rest of the cheese and the pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the cheese is completely melted.
Remove from heat and stir in the Garlic Gold nuggets. Serve with soft pretzels.
*Disclaimer: I am an employee of Garlic Gold, and this product was sent to me by the company. However, the opinions contained in this post and this blog are entirely my own.*
Mmm, now I’m wishing I had been at your house Monday night instead of Saturday night
I think I’m going to need to order some of that Garlic Gold…
This would go really well with your pepper bread, too!
Yum! I could definetly go for one of these
I’m thinking that’s going to be a part of our “spread” for the last college game of the season next month. Never made soft pretzels before so I’ll have to sneak a look at your recipe for those too!
I promise, soft pretzels aren’t as difficult to make as it sounds!
Yummy!
At least they looked a little better last night… Except for that first inning.
We’ll get em’
Go Brewers!
And… about one week and I get to see you!!!
And they looked even better last night!
Also, Dan would like me to tell you that if the Brewers go to the World Series, you have to bring a Brewers shirt to wear during the games, or borrow one of our’s.
Oh my goodness I am a FEIGN for soft pretzels!!! Have you ever tried to make that recipe but whole wheat? I think I might try that out… that might influence more and more soft pretzel eating over here
I have, and they are delicious! Just keep an eye on the dough… whole wheat flour has a different amount of gluten proteins = you may need to add a little more liquid (more details here: http://www.savvyeat.com/whole-wheat-versus-white-flour/ )
I love game day eats!! I make a whole spread on Sundays for football since we have 2 games to watch – I’m a Giants fan and my husband is a Jets fan. It’s so fun and relaxing! Love this recipe
As a Reds fan, I am rooting for the Brewers in this matchup! Soft pretzles are my fav part of baseball season – they’re so good dunked in cheese or in tangy yellow mustard!
YAY! You keep cheering for us
Ahhh, I just emailed you about help with self-hosting my blog. I didn’t know you were a Brewer’s fan! I’m from Milwaukee (but currently living in Belgium) and have been keeping tabs on the Brewers! Hope they do better today!
They pulled it off last night. Hopefully we can keep that trend going!
That looks delicious, Julie. I love your pretzel posts!
Also, I know you won’t like this but I’m really hoping the Nationals can pick up Prince Fielder in the off season. I’d be so excited to have him in DC!
Noooooooooooo!