Description
A festive pretzel wreath filled with creamy cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (7 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (60 g)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pretzel Bath & Topping
- 1/2 cup baking soda (120 g)
- 8 cups water (2 liters)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and melted butter. Mix and knead until a soft smooth dough forms, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 45 minutes.
- Make Cheese Filling: Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well blended and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form Pretzel Balls: Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch the dough to enclose the filling and roll into a ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, touching each other to form a wreath.
- Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each dough ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath shape.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Brush with Butter and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and arrange halved cherry tomatoes among the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
- Serve: Serve warm, pulling apart pretzel bites to enjoy.
Notes
- For a spicier filling, add diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- These pretzel bites can be served with mustard or cheese dip.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pretzel Bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg