Asiago and Cheddar Soft Pretzels

1 pkg. (16 oz.) hot roll mix plus ingredients to prepare mix
 
3/4 C. (3 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 C. (2 oz.) grated asiago cheese, evenly divided

flour

1 egg, well beaten

Optional toppings: Fresh cracked black pepper, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, mustard

Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare roll mix according to package directions, adding cheddar and 1/4 cup asiago cheese.

Divide dough equally into 12 pieces; roll each piece with hands on a lightly floured countertop to form 15-inch rope. Form each rope into pretzel or other desired shape and place 3 inches apart on 2 nonstick cookie sheets. Brush pretzels with beaten egg. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup asiago cheese and optional toppings, if desired, over pretzels.

Bake until golden brown, about 16-18 minutes. Immediately transfer pretzels to a wire cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with mustard, if desired. Pretzels may be stored in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Makes 12 servings.