Description
A delightful pretzel wreath filled with cheese, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 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). 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, pulling apart pretzel bites to enjoy.
Notes
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; it helps activate the yeast. Adjust the cheese filling as per your taste.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American