Description
Delight in these warm, homemade cheese-stuffed pretzels featuring a soft pretzel dough filled with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Perfectly boiled in baking soda water for that classic chewy crust and baked to golden perfection, these pretzels make a delicious snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Topping
- 8 oz block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite), cut into small cubes
- Coarse salt, for topping
Boiling Solution
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a mixer until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pretzels from sticking during baking.
- Shape Pretzels: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion out and place small cubes of cheese on the center. Fold and seal the dough around the cheese, then shape each into a classic pretzel form.
- Boil Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup baking soda to the water. Carefully boil each pretzel for 20 to 30 seconds to achieve the traditional chewy crust, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Brush each boiled pretzel with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden crust once baked. Sprinkle coarse salt generously on top.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the pretzels to cool slightly. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cheesy center and the perfect chewy crust.
Notes
- Use your preferred type of cheese—cheddar or mozzarella work best for melting.
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Boiling in baking soda water creates the characteristic pretzel crust.
- For a crispier crust, add more baking soda to the boiling water.
- These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.
