Description
Warm homemade pretzels with a chewy golden crust and a gooey melted cheddar cheese center, perfect as a comforting snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small sticks
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll each piece into a rope.
- Flatten the rope slightly, place a stick of cheese in the center, and seal the dough around the cheese.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil and add the baking soda.
- Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 20 seconds, then place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar.
- Everything bagel seasoning or garlic powder can be sprinkled on top before baking.
- Add small slices of jalapeño with the cheese for a spicy version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days if needed.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
- Pretzels can be frozen after baking and reheated directly from the freezer.
- The baking soda bath helps create the classic chewy pretzel crust and deep golden color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
