Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into irresistible, cheesy, soft pretzels in minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying those salty cravings without sacrificing flavor or ease. Get ready to impress your friends and family (or just yourself!) with these incredibly addictive snacks.
Why This Works
This recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without compromising on taste. The combination of soft, chewy pretzel dough and the gooey, melted cheese filling creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect balance of salty and savory, making it an ideal snack for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- 🥨 1 pound (454g) refrigerated pizza dough
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🥛 1 large egg, beaten
- 🧂 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 💧 1/2 cup water
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2️⃣ On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3️⃣ Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the dough.
4️⃣ Tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
5️⃣ Gently flatten each slice to create a small circle. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each pretzel.
6️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1/2 cup of water.
7️⃣ Brush the egg wash generously over each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
8️⃣ Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9️⃣ Let the pretzels cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have coarse sea salt, regular table salt will work just fine.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the pretzels bake through perfectly, creating a soft interior and a nicely browned exterior. Avoid over-baking, as this can result in overly hard pretzels.
Crunch Factor
While the inside of these pretzels is beautifully soft and chewy, the outside develops a satisfyingly crisp crust thanks to the egg wash and baking process. The perfect textural contrast!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-shredded cheese for ultimate convenience.
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-made pretzel dough from the store.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cheese-stuffed pretzels make a fantastic homemade gift! Package them in a pretty gift basket or a decorative tin. A simple ribbon adds a nice touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
🌟 Herby: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough or cheese mixture.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for an extra layer of savory flavor.
🌟 Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the pretzels before baking for a delicious twist.
Troubleshooting
- Too hard: Try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes next time.
- Burnt: Check the pretzels frequently during the last few minutes of baking.
- Undercooked: If the pretzels are not cooked through, bake them for a few more minutes.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and cheese filling in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- How do I freeze the pretzels? Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid.
- Can I use a different type of dough? While pizza dough works best, you could experiment with other doughs.
- Are these gluten-free? No, this recipe uses traditional pizza dough, which contains gluten.
Conclusion
These cheese-stuffed soft pretzels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Try the recipe today and share your creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com – we can’t wait to hear what you think!
30-Minute Cheese Stuffed Pretzels: Weeknight Snack Bliss
Deliciously soft pretzels filled with gooey cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110u00b0F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place.
- Preheat the oven to 425u00b0F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then flatten slightly and place cheese in the center before folding the dough over to seal.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Place boiled pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or herbs to the dough.
- Experiment with different cheese types for varied taste.