Cheesy Homemade Soft Pretzels (Printable Version)
Soft, twisted pretzels filled with melted cheese, boiled for chewiness and baked until golden brown perfection.
# Ingredients:
→ Dough Base
01 -
1½ cups warm water (approximately 40-45°C)
02 -
1 tablespoon sugar
03 -
2½ teaspoons instant yeast
04 -
3½ tablespoons melted unsalted butter
05 -
4½ cups all-purpose flour
06 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
→ Filling
07 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 2-inch long sticks
→ Boiling & Finishing
08 -
⅔ cup baking soda
09 -
1 egg yolk
10 -
1 tablespoon water
11 -
Coarse salt for sprinkling
# Steps:
01 -
Combine warm water with sugar in a stand mixer bowl, then sprinkle yeast over the mixture. Allow to rest for 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating active yeast.
02 -
Add melted butter to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until fully combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides.
03 -
Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and place in a warm location until doubled in size, approximately 60 minutes.
04 -
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil the surface. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
05 -
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope and flatten slightly. Position cheese down the center, then pinch the dough around it to enclose completely. Form into traditional pretzel shapes by creating a loop and twisting the ends.
06 -
Carefully lower pretzels one or two at a time into the boiling water solution for 30 seconds, spooning water over the top to ensure even coverage. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets using a slotted spatula.
07 -
Whisk egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water and brush over each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 12 minutes until deeply golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
You can substitute sharp cheddar with any firm melting cheese of your preference.
02 -
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.