Description
Delicious, soft pretzels filled with gooey cheese cubes, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. These Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels feature a golden-brown crust achieved by boiling in baking soda water before baking, creating a classic pretzel texture with melted cheese surprises inside.
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
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite), cut into small cubes
Boiling and Topping
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt, for topping
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Prepare dough: Add the melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Shape pretzels: Divide the risen dough into equal portions. Flatten each portion and place small cubes of cheese in the center before folding and shaping them into classic pretzel shapes, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Bake preparation – boil pretzels: Bring 8 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda. Boil each shaped pretzel in this baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds on each side. This process gives pretzels their distinctive chewy crust.
- Apply egg wash and sprinkle salt: Remove the pretzels from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle coarse salt on top for flavor and texture.
- Bake pretzels: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly, serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of soft dough and melted cheese inside.
Notes
- Use room temperature water (110°F/45°C) to activate yeast properly.
- Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed by the dough to prevent leaking during boiling and baking.
- Baking soda bath creates the distinctive pretzel crust—do not skip this step.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese types for varied flavors.
- Egg wash gives the pretzels a shiny golden finish and helps the salt stick better.
