Description
Soft, warm cheese-stuffed pretzels with a golden crust and gooey melted cheese inside. These homemade pretzels are boiled in a baking soda solution before baking, creating their signature chewy texture and flavor. Perfect as a 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
- 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 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, or until 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 sticking.
- Shape Pretzels with Cheese Filling: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece, place a few cubes of cheese in the center, and carefully fold the dough over, sealing the cheese inside. Shape the filled dough into traditional pretzel shapes.
- Boil Pretzels: Bring the 8 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Boil each pretzel for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each boiled pretzel with the beaten egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle coarse salt on top to add flavor and texture.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cheese inside.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese such as cheddar for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for a mild, stretchy filling.
- Make sure the water for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water is key to their chewy texture and classic pretzel flavor.
- Brush the pretzels evenly with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread making.
