Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese Pretzels are the perfect combination of savory and cheesy, with a crispy golden crust on the outside and a soft, cheesy interior. The addition of mozzarella and cheddar cheese makes them extra creamy and flavorful. The process is simple and quick, and the result is a warm, mouthwatering snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack at home, these Cheese Pretzels are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add salt and flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist it into a pretzel shape.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Serve: Brush the pretzels with the egg wash, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cheese Pretzels!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (depending on the size of the pretzels)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Cheese Blends: Use different cheese blends like gouda, provolone, or parmesan for varied flavors.
- Spicy Twist: Add some jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the dough for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Dough: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pretzels in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour, but the texture of the pretzels will be denser.
Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pretzels and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just let them thaw for a few minutes and bake as directed.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, fontina, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder flavor.
How do I make these pretzels even cheesier?
Add more cheese to the center of the pretzel before shaping it, or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Conclusion
Cheese Pretzels are the perfect snack for any occasion, offering a warm, cheesy, and satisfying treat in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these delicious homemade pretzels that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them for a game night, a casual gathering, or just as a snack, these cheesy, golden pretzels are sure to become a new favorite! Enjoy!
Cheese Pretzels: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Pretzels are a delicious and comforting treat, featuring gooey cheese and a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or any occasion, these homemade pretzels are easy to make and customizable.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
⅓ cup baking soda
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add salt and flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist it into a pretzel shape.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Serve: Brush the pretzels with the egg wash, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cheese Pretzels!
Notes
Different Cheese Blends: Use different cheese blends like gouda, provolone, or parmesan for varied flavors.
Spicy Twist: Add some jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the dough for a spicy kick.
Herb-infused Dough: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
