Pretzels and cheese sauce are a winning combination. Only made better with a Missouri Wine! Pick your favorite Missouri Chardonel to use and elevate your pretzel and cheese sauce experience. Here's how to make delicious soft pretzel bites and a rich cheese sauce to accompany them.

Soft Pretzel Bites 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Steps

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Make the Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
5. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut each rope into 1-inch pieces.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Carefully add pretzel bites to the boiling soda water in batches, cooking for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Missouri Chardonel
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

Steps

1. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly until the mixture turns a light golden color, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
4. Pour in the Chardonel: Slowly add the Chardonel, stirring continuously to combine the flavors seamlessly.
5. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, if desired. Stir well to ensure even seasoning throughout.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce is smooth and well-combined, remove it from the heat. Serve with your homemade pretzels!

Gather your ingredients, uncork your favorite bottle of Chardonel, and enjoy this delicious recipe with your friends and family.