Description
Delicious homemade cheese-stuffed pretzels with a golden crust and gooey melted cheese inside. This recipe combines a soft pretzel dough filled with your favorite cheese cubes, boiled briefly in baking soda water for a perfect chewy texture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a savory snack or appetizer.
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
- 8 oz block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite), cut into small cubes
Boiling Solution
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt, for topping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and 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. Mix and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place several small cubes of cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and shape each piece into a classic pretzel shape or desired shape ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Boil Pretzels: Bring the 8 cups of water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water and boil for 20-30 seconds. This step helps to achieve the chewy texture and characteristic pretzel crust.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel generously with the beaten egg to give them a shiny golden crust. Sprinkle coarse salt on top to taste.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with the cheese melted inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
Notes
- You can use any cheese that melts well such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
- Make sure to boil the pretzels in baking soda water; this step is essential for the distinctive pretzel crust texture.
- If you prefer softer pretzels, reduce the boiling time slightly.
- Coarse salt adds a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to adjust seasoning to your liking or skip it for a milder snack.
- Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
