Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

For the Topping:

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
• Coarse salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and melted butter, and mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Mix the shredded mozzarella cheese with the cream cheese, if using, to create a creamy filling. Set aside.
3. Shape the Pretzels:
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long.
   • Flatten each rope into a rectangle. Spoon a line of the cheese filling along the center of the dough, then carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly.
   • Shape each filled rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U, then twisting the ends together and pressing them down onto the bottom of the U.
4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
   • In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda, being cautious as it will bubble up.
   • Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake the Pretzels:
   • Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with the cheese oozing from the center.

These Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of chewy pretzel goodness and gooey melted cheese, making them an irresistible snack.

Would you like any variations or additional tips for this recipe?