These Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a fun and delicious twist on classic soft pretzels, with a savory filling inside! You can stuff them with cheese, pepperoni, or your favorite fillings. Here’s how to make them:
Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or ham (optional)
- You can also stuff with jalapeños, cooked spinach, or even cream cheese, depending on your preference!
For the Boiling Solution:
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse salt (to sprinkle)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the stuffing:
- While the dough is rising, prepare your stuffing ingredients. If using cheese, pepperoni, or sausage, make sure they’re chopped or shredded to fit inside the dough easily.
3. Shape the pretzel bites:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 24 even pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
- Flatten each ball into a small disk and place a teaspoon of your desired filling in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together tightly to seal.
4. Boil the pretzel bites:
- In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Gently drop the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the pretzel bites:
- Brush the pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with mustard, cheese dip, or your favorite dipping sauce!
These Stuffed Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and full of flavor—perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party treat. The combination of the pretzel dough with a melty filling is simply irresistible! 😋🧀
