Homemade Cheesy Pretzel Twists Recipe: A Fun Snack Twist

Salty, crispy, and loaded with cheesy pretzel twists that dance between comfort food and gourmet snacking, these homemade delights will steal the show at any gathering.

Warm from the oven, these golden-brown spirals boast a perfect blend of soft pretzel dough and melted cheese.

Each twist promises a satisfying crunch that breaks into a tender, cheesy interior.

The secret lies in the simple yet precise technique that turns basic ingredients into an irresistible treat.

Sharp cheddar melts into pockets of flavor, creating irresistible bites that disappear faster than you can say “another round.” Grab your apron and get ready to become the snack hero who brings these addictive twists to the table.

Serving Cheesy Pretzel Twists at Game

• Pair with Dipping Delights: Serve these cheesy pretzels with tangy marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or zesty honey mustard for an extra flavor kick.
• Craft a Party Platter: Arrange the pretzels on a wooden board with cured meats, pickles, and olives to create an irresistible appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Enjoy as Comfort Meal Companion: Complement these pretzels with a hearty tomato soup or creamy potato chowder for a comforting lunch or dinner that satisfies deep hunger.
• Transform into Snack Attack: Pack these portable treats in lunchboxes or grab them for movie nights, game days, or afternoon energy boosts that will keep everyone munching happily.

Storing Pretzel Twists Without Getting Soggy

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Carefully place pretzels in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Revive Refrigerated Pretzels: Warm chilled pretzels in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore their original crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, making them taste freshly baked.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare the dough and shape pretzels ahead of time. Refrigerate unbaked pretzels overnight, covered. Before serving, bring to room temperature, boil in baking soda water, and bake as directed for fresh, hot pretzels.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 9

Cheesy Pretzel Twists Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the pretzel twists, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, opt for granulated white sugar.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates rise and airy texture, ensure yeast is fresh and not expired.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients, use lukewarm water around 110°F.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, select aged cheddar for deeper taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, stretchy texture, choose low-moisture mozzarella for better melting.

• Egg: Creates golden, shiny exterior and helps seasonings stick, use whole egg for rich color.
• Coarse Salt: Adds crunch and enhances overall flavor, kosher or pretzel salt works best.
• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel crust and deep brown color, use fresh baking soda for optimal results.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Cheesy Pretzel Twists

• large mixing bowl: for combining flour, salt, and kneading dough.
• small bowl: for dissolving sugar and activating yeast.
• measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements.
• baking sheet: for placing and baking pretzels.
• parchment paper: to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• rolling pin: to help shape dough into ropes.
• large pot: for boiling pretzels in baking soda water.
• pastry brush: for applying egg wash.
• cooling rack: to let pretzels cool and crisp up.

How to Shape and Bake Cheesy Pretzel Twists

• Yeast Awakening

Warm water becomes the magical home for sleepy yeast. Sugar and yeast dance together, creating a bubbly foam that signals the start of a delicious adventure.

• Dough Creation

Flour and salt welcome the yeast mixture, transforming into a soft, pliable dough. Gentle kneading on a flour-dusted surface brings the dough to life, creating a smooth texture ready for its flavor journey.

• Resting Period

The dough nestles into a cozy, oiled bowl, wrapped softly and left to grow. In a warm corner of the kitchen, it will double in size, building anticipation for the cheesy treat to come.

• Cheese Preparation

Sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella wait to become the heart of these pretzels. The oven warms up, ready to transform simple ingredients into a golden masterpiece.

• Pretzel Shaping

Dough transforms into eight playful ropes. Each piece cradles a treasure of melty cheese, then twists into a classic pretzel shape – a delicious secret waiting to be revealed.

• Magic Bath

A bubbling water bath with baking soda gives these pretzels their signature shine and texture. Each pretzel takes a quick dip, emerging ready for the final transformation.

• Golden Finish

A brush of egg wash adds a beautiful golden glow. A sprinkle of salt provides the perfect savory touch. The oven works its magic, turning these twists into a crispy, cheesy delight that’s impossible to resist.

Flavor Tips for Bold and Buttery Pretzels

• When kneading feels sticky, add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to maintain perfect dough consistency without making it too dry.
• Prepare the dough and shape pretzels a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before boiling and baking for convenience.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme over the egg wash before baking to elevate the pretzel's exterior.
• Swap cheese for pizza sauce, pepperoni bits, or even cream cheese mixed with herbs to create exciting savory variations that'll keep everyone guessing.

Crispy Pretzel Twists Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Salty, cheesy pretzel twists elevate snack time with German-inspired comfort. Crisp edges and golden-brown spirals deliver satisfying crunch that connects you to traditional bakery experiences.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 10 cups water (for pretzel bath)
• ⅔ cup baking soda (for pretzel bath)
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve sugar in lukewarm water (105-115°F), sprinkle active dry yeast, and let rest until frothy and bubbling, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Mix all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl, then incorporate the activated yeast mixture, kneading vigorously until a smooth, elastic dough forms with a slight spring.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
4. Cheese Filling and Oven Preparation: Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Dough Shaping: Divide risen dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a 12-inch rope. Flatten slightly, add cheese mixture to the center, fold, and seal to prevent leakage.
6. Pretzel Twisting: Shape each filled dough piece into a traditional pretzel twist, pinching ends securely to maintain form.
7. Baking Soda Bath: Bring water to a rolling boil, add baking soda to create an alkaline solution. Submerge each pretzel for 20-30 seconds, removing with a slotted spoon.
8. Final Touches: Whisk egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush pretzels generously, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Precise water temperature between 105-115°F is crucial for perfect yeast bloom, ensuring soft and fluffy pretzel texture.
• Kneading Technique: Vigorous 6-8 minute kneading develops gluten structure, creating elastic dough that guarantees chewy, professional-quality pretzels.
• Cheese Containment Strategy: Carefully seal cheese filling inside dough to prevent leakage, maintaining clean pretzel twists with gooey, melted interior.
• Baking Soda Bath Magic: Brief 20-30 second immersion in alkaline solution creates signature pretzel golden-brown crust and distinctive tangy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg