Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate indulgent snack, featuring golden-brown pretzel dough wrapped around gooey, melted cheese. These soft pretzels have the perfect chewy texture on the outside with a luscious surprise at the center—ideal for parties, game day, or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and cheesy with every bite
• A fun, homemade twist on traditional soft pretzels
• Perfect for sharing as a snack or appetizer
• Can be filled with your cheese of choice
• Impressive yet surprisingly simple to make

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Baking soda
• Water (for boiling)
• Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Divide dough into equal portions and flatten each piece.
5. Place a strip of cheese in the center of each piece and wrap the dough around it to form a rope, then shape into a pretzel.
6. Boil each pretzel in a baking soda and water solution for 30 seconds.
7. Place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Use jalapeño cheddar for a spicy kick
• Try cream cheese for a tangy filling
• Make mini pretzel bites instead of full-size twists
• Brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pizza dough works in a pinch.

Which cheese is best for stuffing?

Mozzarella and cheddar are top choices for their meltability.

Can I skip the boiling step?

No, boiling in baking soda gives the pretzels their signature texture and color.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze after baking and reheat as needed.

What if I don’t have coarse salt?

Use flaky sea salt or omit it entirely.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour, but results may vary.

How do I make the dough rise faster?

Place it in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water.

Are they good for kids?

Absolutely—they’re fun, filling, and mess-free snacks.

Can I add herbs to the dough?

Yes, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme work beautifully.

Conclusion

Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade treat that blends nostalgia with a burst of cheesy goodness. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, these pretzels are bound to become a favorite.

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