Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cups water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart while cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drain excess grease and allow the beef mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooled beef mixture to a bowl and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rectangle about 5 by 8 inches.
- Place a portion of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each rectangle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges tightly to seal. Shape into pretzels or stuffed rolls.
- Bring 8 cups of water to a gentle boil and add baking soda.
- Boil each pretzel for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush over the pretzels and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 14 to 18 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese can replace cheddar for different flavors.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, or cream cheese to the filling for extra richness.
- Divide the dough into 12 portions for smaller party-sized pretzels.
- The baking soda bath helps create the classic chewy pretzel texture and golden color.
- Allow the filling to cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pretzel
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg