Description
A delicious and fun treat perfect for gatherings, featuring fluffy pretzel dough and creamy cheese filling, arranged in a festive wreath shape.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well blended and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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 the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, touching each other to form a wreath.
- 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.
- Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- 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 warm, allowing guests to pull apart the pretzel bites and enjoy.
Notes
Best served warm with your favorite dips like mustard or cheese sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg