Go Back
Cheesy Pretzels for Movie Night
Alyssa

Cheesy Pretzels for Movie Night

Enjoy cheesy pretzels for movie night! Soft, warm, and loaded with cheese, they're the perfect snack for a cozy evening in with friends.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water 110°F: The warm water activates the yeast, essential for making the dough rise.
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast: Yeast is the vital ingredient that helps the dough ferment giving pretzels their airy structure.
  • 2 tbsp sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast promoting fermentation and adding a subtle sweetness.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our pretzel dough; ensures a chewy texture.
  • 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough’s structure.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella: Provides that irresistible cheesy filling; feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!
  • 1/4 cup baking soda: Used in the boiling water to create a unique texture and flavor that is iconic to pretzels.
  • 1 egg beaten, for wash: Gives the pretzels a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling: A finishing touch that enhances flavor and mimics traditional pretzel toppings.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (110°F), 2 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
  2. Form the Dough: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Mix until a dough begins to form. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm location, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape the Pretzels: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Place 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) in the center of each rope, fold it over, and pinch the edges to seal the cheese inside.
  6. Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Carefully dip each pretzel in the boiling water for 30 seconds. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic pretzel texture!
  7. Prepare for Baking: Remove the pretzels from the boiling water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with 1 beaten egg to give a beautiful finish. Lastly, sprinkle some coarse salt on top.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best served warm!