Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels combine the classic soft pretzel texture with a gooey cheese filling for an irresistible snack or appetizer. These homemade pretzels are boiled in a baking soda bath for a perfect chewy crust and baked golden brown with a crispy exterior. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun baking activity, they can be customized with your favorite cheese and served with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 large cheese-stuffed pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Boiling & Topping
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- Dissolve Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine: Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture while stirring to form a dough. Continue mixing until combined.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and stir to dissolve.
- Shape Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20 inches long, then twist it into the traditional pretzel shape.
- Boil Pretzels: Immerse each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for approximately 30 seconds. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Cheese: Using a sharp knife, make a small incision or cut in each pretzel and stuff it generously with the shredded cheese of your choice.
- Egg Wash: Brush each pretzel lightly with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they develop a deep golden brown crust.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and avoid burns.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky by adding flour gradually during kneading to make handling easier.
- Feel free to mix herbs or spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper into the cheese filling for added flavor.
- Pair with unique dipping sauces such as spicy sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, mustard, or marinara sauce to enhance taste.
- To keep pretzels warm at gatherings, store them in an insulated container or slow cooker set to low.
- Making pretzels can be a fun group activity—invite friends to join in for a creative pretzel-making night.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese-stuffed pretzels, soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, cheesy snacks, baking pretzels, party appetizers