cheese stuffed pretzels
These cheese stuffed pretzels combine a soft, golden-brown pretzel crust with a rich, creamy melted cheese center, perfect for snacking or sharing. Easy to make and customizable with various cheeses and additions, they offer a deliciously chewy, cheesy treat loved by both kids and adults.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pretzels 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, or a combination)
Topping
- Melted butter for brushing
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt while mixing, then add softened butter. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the Pretzels: Divide the risen dough into equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly, place a generous amount of shredded cheese in the center, and carefully seal the dough around the cheese filling. Roll the sealed dough into a rope and twist into the classic pretzel shape. Press the ends firmly to prevent cheese from leaking out during boiling and baking.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Gently place each shaped pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove each pretzel with a slotted spoon and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush the boiled pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until the pretzels turn deep golden brown and the cheese inside bubbles.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and proper rising of the dough.
- Seal the edges of the dough well to prevent cheese from oozing out during boiling and baking.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath; it is crucial for the distinctive chewy pretzel texture and color.
- Choose melty cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar, which melt smoothly without becoming greasy.
- Let pretzels cool for 5 minutes before eating to enjoy gooey cheese without burning your mouth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheese stuffed pretzels, soft pretzels, cheesy snacks, homemade pretzels, baked pretzels, party snacks, appetizer