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Cheesy Maryland-Style Crab Pretzel

Cheesy Maryland-Style Crab Pretzel for a Cozy Gatherings Delight

Delight your guests with these Cheesy Maryland-Style Crab Pretzels, a comforting appetizer infused with crab dip and gooey cheese.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 17 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 8 pretzels
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1.5 cups warm water around 110°F
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast must be foamy when combined with water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar can substitute with white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt use in both dough and crab dip
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted for smoother texture
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour can also use bread flour
  • 0.25 cups baking soda used for the water bath
For the Crab Dip
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese can use reduced-fat but less creamy
  • 0.25 cups mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cups sour cream plain yogurt can be substituted
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese can mix with other cheeses
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese can be replaced with any melting cheese
  • 3 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions dark green parts reserved for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning can substitute with similar seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce soy sauce can be a substitute
  • 1 cup lump crab meat preferably fresh or canned blue crab

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Pot
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, then gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  4. Make the crab dip by blending 8 ounces of cream cheese with ¼ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar until creamy. Stir in lump crab meat, remaining cheeses, 1 teaspoon Old Bay, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F, boil a pot of water with ¼ cup of baking soda. Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll into logs, and shape into pretzels.
  6. Drop each pretzel into boiling water for 30 seconds, then place on a lined baking sheet ensuring they don’t touch.
  7. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown. Top with crab dip mixture and extra shredded cheese.
  8. Switch to broil, return pretzels to oven for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let cool slightly, garnish with scallions and a sprinkle of Old Bay before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pretzelCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and make sure the water temperature is around 110°F to activate the yeast correctly.

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