Description
Gooey cheese-stuffed pretzels offer a delightful twist on classic German street fare. Golden brown exteriors hide melted cheese centers that make snack time irresistible. Hungry people will crave these comforting treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Bath and Topping Ingredients:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving sugar in warm water (110F/45C), then sprinkle yeast on top and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead thoroughly for 5 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.
- Heat the oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Create the cheese filling by blending shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a small bowl.
- Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a rope. Flatten slightly, add a tablespoon of cheese filling in the center, then carefully seal the dough around the cheese and shape into a traditional pretzel form.
- Prepare a boiling solution of water and baking soda. Submerge each pretzel in the boiling liquid for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Enhance the pretzels by brushing with beaten egg and generously sprinkling coarse salt across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, achieving a golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese is completely melted.
Notes
- Master the yeast activation by ensuring water temperature is precisely between 110-115°F to guarantee perfect rising and avoid killing the yeast.
- Seal cheese inside pretzels completely to prevent leakage during boiling and baking, creating a clean, professional-looking final product.
- Experiment with alternative cheese blends like sharp provolone, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
- Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum for improved texture and elasticity.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg