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Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are a delicious homemade treat featuring soft pretzel dough filled with gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers warm, golden-brown pretzels with a crispy exterior and a savory, cheesy interior, perfect for snacks, parties, or casual meals. Customize with your choice of cheeses and enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Baking and Filling

  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine: Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture while stirring until a dough forms that is soft and slightly sticky.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
  5. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda, which helps create the pretzel’s signature crust.
  8. Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel form.
  9. Boil Pretzels: Place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Add Cheese: Make a small incision or cut in each pretzel and stuff it generously with shredded cheese of your choice, ensuring an even filling.
  11. Egg Wash: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give a glossy, golden finish and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for flavor.
  12. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
  13. Cool and Serve: Remove pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the cheese filling to set slightly.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is within 110°F to 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour to make it easier to work with.
  • Use a slotted spoon to safely remove pretzels from the boiling baking soda bath to avoid burns.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends or add herbs and spices to the cheese for additional flavor.
  • Serve pretzels warm for the best texture and flavor.
  • Leftover pretzels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze pretzels for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • For a group activity, involve friends or family in making and stuffing the pretzels together.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese stuffed pretzels, homemade pretzels, soft pretzels, cheesy snacks, appetizer, party snacks, baked pretzels

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/cheese-stuffed-pretzels-recipe/