These Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey, melty cheese. Perfect for game night, cozy evenings, or whenever you need a warm, cheesy treat, these homemade pretzels take your favorite snack to the next level. Golden brown on the outside with a soft, cheesy center, they are truly irresistible. Whether you’re dipping them in mustard, cheese sauce, or just enjoying them as is, these stuffed pretzels are a hit every time.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup warm water
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1 packet (¼ oz) instant yeast
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup baking soda (for boiling)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Coarse salt (for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese filling
While the dough is rising, prepare your cheese filling by shredding your choice of cheddar or mozzarella. Set aside.
Step 4: Shape and stuff the pretzels
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, flatten slightly, and place about 2 tablespoons of cheese along the center. Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal, then form into a pretzel shape. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the baking soda bath
In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Boil the pretzels
Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Egg wash and salt
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 8: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pretzels for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Serve warm
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Variation
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Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels: Add chopped jalapeños to the cheese filling for a spicy kick.
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Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush with garlic butter right out of the oven for extra flavor.
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Pizza-Stuffed Pretzels: Replace cheddar with mozzarella and add a few pepperoni slices inside.
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Sweet Pretzels: Use cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a dessert twist.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and a non-dairy egg wash alternative.
Cooking Note
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The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture and color.
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Make sure the dough is sealed well around the cheese to prevent leaking during boiling.
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Using coarse salt enhances the classic pretzel flavor—don’t skip it!
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For an extra cheesy pull, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
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Keep the pretzels slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow even browning.
Tips
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Serve with cheese sauce, honey mustard, or marinara for dipping.
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Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
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To freeze, bake first, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
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Thaw frozen pretzels and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per pretzel)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 400mg
Values may vary based on specific ingredients used
FAQs
Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just follow the stuffing, boiling, and baking steps.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great for melting. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Can I skip the baking soda bath?
It’s not recommended. The bath is essential for the chewy texture and dark crust typical of pretzels.
How do I make sure the cheese doesn’t leak out?
Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and ensure the seams are well pinched.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the pretzels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking.
Conclusion
These Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are everything you love about classic soft pretzels with a gooey, cheesy surprise inside. The combination of golden, chewy dough and melty cheese makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for game day, a cozy snack, or just to impress your friends, they’re sure to disappear fast. Serve warm with your favorite dip, and watch them become a new favorite! 🧀🥨🔥
Print
Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup warm water
-
1 packet (¼ oz) instant yeast
-
1 tbsp sugar
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
-
¼ cup baking soda (for boiling)
-
1 egg (for egg wash)
-
Coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and rise
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese filling
While the dough is rising, prepare your cheese filling by shredding your choice of cheddar or mozzarella. Set aside.
Step 4: Shape and stuff the pretzels
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, flatten slightly, and place about 2 tablespoons of cheese along the center. Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal, then form into a pretzel shape. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the baking soda bath
In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Boil the pretzels
Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Egg wash and salt
Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 8: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pretzels for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Serve warm
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
-
The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture and color.
-
Make sure the dough is sealed well around the cheese to prevent leaking during boiling.
-
Using coarse salt enhances the classic pretzel flavor—don’t skip it!
-
For an extra cheesy pull, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
-
Keep the pretzels slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow even browning.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 min