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Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

4.5 from 97 reviews

Delicious and soft cheese-stuffed pretzels with a golden crust, perfect for a savory snack or appetizer. These homemade pretzels are boiled in a baking soda bath for the classic chewy texture and then baked to perfection with a gooey cheese filling inside.

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

Boiling Bath

  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10 cups water (for boiling bath)

Toppings and Filling

  • 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 active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt ensuring they are evenly combined.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture into the yeast mixture while stirring until a rough dough begins to form.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in 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.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda, stirring to dissolve; this bath helps develop the pretzel’s classic crust.
  8. Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
  9. Boil Pretzels: Submerge each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Add Cheese Filling: Make a small cut or slit on each pretzel and stuff it generously with shredded cheese of your choice.
  11. Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give a shiny golden crust and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
  12. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown color.
  13. Cool and Serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm to enjoy the melty cheese inside.

Notes

  • Ensure the water for the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • You can use a mix of cheeses or your favorite single cheese for stuffing to customize flavor.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda water is essential for the authentic chewy crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the boiling water; boil pretzels in batches if necessary.
  • Let pretzels cool slightly before eating to prevent burning from hot melted cheese.

Keywords: Cheese Stuffed Pretzels, Homemade Pretzels, Soft Pretzels, Cheese Snacks, Baked Pretzels, Savory Pretzels