Description
Cheese stuffed pretzels are golden, chewy homemade pretzels filled with melty cheddar cheese, baked to perfection after a quick baking soda bath for that signature crust. They’re the ultimate snack for game day, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- Sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ¼–½-inch sticks about 2 inches long
For boiling:
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
For baking:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in melted butter. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then add to the mixer. Mix on low until combined.
- Knead with the dough hook on medium until smooth, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and lightly oil them.
- Bring 10 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Stir in baking soda.
- Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a 24-inch rope, flatten, place cheese sticks down the center, then pinch seams to seal tightly.
- Shape into pretzels by forming a U, crossing the ends, twisting once, and pressing ends onto the bottom.
- Boil 1–2 pretzels at a time for 30 seconds, spooning water over the tops. Remove with a spatula and place on prepared sheets.
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12 minutes, until deep golden brown.
- Cool on a rack at least 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella for variety.
- Try toppings like everything bagel seasoning, garlic flakes, or dried rosemary.
- Shape into sticks or pretzel dogs for fun variations.
- Add smoked paprika or mustard powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Seal seams tightly to prevent cheese leaks during baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes rising time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Boil and Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
