Print

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

5 from 726 reviews

Delicious homemade cheese-stuffed pretzels with a golden crust and gooey melted cheese inside. This recipe combines a soft, chewy pretzel dough with a savory cheese filling, perfect for snacks or appetizers.

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

Baking Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine: Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten.
  5. Let it Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
  7. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda, which helps achieve the pretzel’s characteristic crust.
  8. Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and form each into a pretzel shape.
  9. Boil Pretzels: Place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds to develop the distinctive texture and color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Add Cheese: Make a small cut in each pretzel and stuff it generously with shredded cheese for a delicious melting center.
  11. Egg Wash: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg to add shine and help the coarse sea salt adhere.
  12. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly to allow the cheese to set before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can use any combination of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavors.
  • Make sure the water for dissolving yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • The baking soda bath is key to getting the authentic pretzel crust and color.
  • If you prefer, substitute coarse sea salt with pretzel salt or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for best taste.

Keywords: cheese-stuffed pretzels, homemade pretzels, soft pretzels, cheesy snacks, baking pretzels