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Soft Pretzels with Cheese

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Homemade soft pretzels filled with a melty cheese blend, featuring a chewy crust from a baking soda bath. Perfect for snacks, parties, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g), unbleached recommended
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (360 ml, about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (55 g)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (60 g)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cups cheese blend (about 200 g) – shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and flour to yeast mixture. Stir until shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand 8-10 minutes or with stand mixer 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with damp towel, and let rise in warm spot about 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare baking soda bath: Boil about 8 cups (2 liters) water in large pot. Carefully add baking soda.
  6. Shape pretzels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into 20-inch ropes, form classic pretzel shape.
  7. Boil pretzels: Using slotted spoon, boil 2-3 pretzels at a time for 30 seconds per side. Remove and place on baking sheet.
  8. Add cheese: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup cheese blend over each pretzel, gently pressing into surface.
  9. Egg wash and salt: Brush pretzels with beaten egg, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
  10. Bake: Bake 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  11. Cool and enjoy: Let cool a few minutes on wire rack before serving.

Notes

Use fresh yeast for best rise. Baking soda bath is essential for chewy crust and golden color. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Adjust baking time based on your oven. For softer crust, brush with melted butter after baking instead of egg wash. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, cheese pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, cheesy snack, baking soda bath, party food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/soft-pretzels-with-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-perfect-snack-ideas/