These Cheese Stuffed Pretzels are a delicious, indulgent snack that combines soft, chewy pretzel dough with a gooey, melted cheese filling. Easy to make and perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy treat, these pretzels elevate the classic snack with a cheesy twist. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create the perfect cheesy snack at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 8 oz cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

• 10 cups water

• ⅔ cup baking soda

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Coarse salt or pretzel seasoning

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix and Knead: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.

3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the dough, divide it into 8-10 equal pieces, and roll each into a rectangle.

5. Fill with Cheese: Place a strip of cheese in the center of each rectangle, then wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges to seal.

6. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, then add the baking soda and stir.

7. Boil the Pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, drop each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds.

8. Bake: Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: Varies by size (estimate: ~250-300 kcal per pretzel)

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 500mg

A Soft, Chewy Pretzel Dough Base

At the heart of these cheese-stuffed pretzels is the soft, chewy dough. Making the dough involves a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water. The yeast helps the dough rise, creating the perfect texture for pretzels. The addition of melted butter gives the dough a subtle richness that complements the cheesiness inside. Once the dough is mixed, kneaded, and allowed to rise, it becomes light and soft, ready to be shaped into individual pretzels that will soon hold a gooey surprise.

The Cheese Filling: Choose Your Favorite Cheese

The best part about these stuffed pretzels is the cheese filling. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can get creative and use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar offers a sharp, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft dough, while mozzarella gives a more delicate, stretchy melt. You could even mix both types of cheese for an even more flavorful combination.

For a twist, try adding some herbs or spices to the cheese filling to make the pretzels even more unique. A bit of garlic powder, dried oregano, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an extra kick to the cheese filling, giving your pretzels a distinct flavor profile.

Shaping the Pretzels: A Simple but Fun Process

Once your dough has risen and is ready to go, it’s time to shape the pretzels. Punch the dough down and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Each piece is then rolled out into a rectangle, which is perfect for creating the space needed to stuff the cheese inside. Simply place a strip of cheese in the center of each rectangle, then wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges to seal the pretzel. This process ensures that the cheese stays hidden inside, creating the perfect cheesy surprise when you bite into the pretzel.

Shaping the pretzels may seem like the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s also a fun and easy step that allows you to be a little creative with how you fold and seal the dough. If you’re making these pretzels with kids or friends, it’s a great opportunity to get everyone involved in the kitchen!

The Baking Soda Bath: Essential for That Pretzel Crust

What really gives pretzels their signature golden-brown crust and unique flavor is the baking soda bath. After the pretzels are shaped and stuffed with cheese, they’re briefly boiled in a mixture of water and baking soda. This step is crucial for creating that perfect pretzel texture on the outside while maintaining the soft, chewy interior. The baking soda helps the pretzels develop a shiny, slightly crispy crust that adds to the overall experience.

To prepare the baking soda bath, simply bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add ⅔ cup of baking soda. Stir to dissolve, and then gently drop the stuffed pretzels into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and then transfer the pretzels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. This bath doesn’t take long but makes a big difference in the final result, giving the pretzels their signature look and texture.

Baking the Pretzels: Golden Brown Perfection

After the baking soda bath, it’s time to bake the pretzels. Brush each one with an egg wash to give them that glossy, golden-brown finish. Then, sprinkle them with coarse salt (or pretzel seasoning) to enhance the flavor and make them even more irresistible.

Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes will give the pretzels the perfect amount of crispiness and golden color on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and chewy. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the tantalizing smell of warm bread and melted cheese—a scent that’s sure to make everyone excited for the delicious snack that’s just moments away.

Cooling and Serving: Enjoy Your Homemade Pretzels

Once the pretzels have baked to perfection, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth on molten cheese. While the pretzels are still warm, you can enjoy them as is, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Some classic choices include mustard, marinara sauce, or even a creamy cheese dip to complement the gooey filling.

If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with different toppings or dips. A bit of ranch dressing or garlic butter on the side would elevate these pretzels to a whole new level of indulgence. You can even drizzle them with a little honey for a sweet-savory contrast.

Perfect for Parties, Family Gatherings, and Snacks

These cheese-stuffed pretzels are perfect for any occasion. They make an excellent addition to a party spread, bringing both flavor and fun to your gatherings. The individual pretzels are easy to share, and everyone can enjoy their own personal cheesy snack. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, a game day party, or a casual get-together, these pretzels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

They’re also fantastic for family dinners or as a snack for kids. The combination of warm bread and melted cheese is always a hit with little ones, and you can easily make a batch to satisfy the whole family. If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container and reheat them the next day for a quick snack or light meal.

Conclusion

Cheese-stuffed pretzels are a delicious, indulgent snack that takes the classic pretzel to a whole new level. With a soft, chewy dough, a gooey cheese filling, and a crispy, golden crust, these pretzels are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy treat at home, they’re easy to prepare and sure to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and that warm, cheesy goodness is impossible to resist. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to the perfect cheesy snack!