Cheesy Soft Pretzels

The cheesy and gooey goodness in the pretzel is simply irresistible, that I have to make it twice in a week because my family loves it. It has the right saltiness that is perfect for a cheese lover. I was cutting on carbs but can’t help but take one whole piece. Who wouldn’t right? =)

Ingredients

300g bread flour
15g sugar
3g yeast
200g water
6g salt
15g oil

Others

2L water
35g baking soda
15g sugar

Filling

half a block of mozzarella

Egg wash ad Topping

1 egg (beaten + 1 tbs water)
finely grated parmesan

Method

Preheat the oven at 230 degree celsius
Add all bread flour, yeast, and sugar into the mixer followed by the water.
Use the J hook to knead the dough at low speed. Knead until dough is formed
Add in the butter and knead for about 2 minutes at speed 2 ( low speed)
Add in the salt and continue to knead at speed 2. Knead until the dough is somewhat stretchy. See photo below.
Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and set aside for about an hour and half or until the dough has risen to double
Punch out all the air and divide the dough into 6 portions.
Roll each dough into long strips where the middle part is thicker than the two end parts. Length should be about 46cm long (See photo below) Note: When the dough shrinks back as you roll, rest the dough for a minute or two, then start rolling again until you reach to your desired length
Flatten the middle part and place two mozzarella strips in the middle portion and seal the seam. Roll a little bit to seal the seam better. As your mozzarella is cold, your dough would turn slightly sticky. Don’t worry, just lightly sprinkle some flour and roll it gently. Remember just lightly sprinkle. Do not put too much flour. Refer to photo below
Twist the two ends together and bring it down to form a pretzel knots. See photo below. Note, sprinkle some flour on your baking sheet before you put your pretzel.
Cover all the dough as you work on. Do the same for the rest of the dough. Set aside for the 20 minutes
Prepare another tray with kitchen towel, lightly sprinkle some flour on the kitchen towel and spread it on the sheet. This is where you will place your boiled pretzels to absorb the water.
Boil 2L of water, add in 35g baking soda and 15g water. Once the water boils, use your hand to get the pretzel and gently drop it into the water mixture. Let it pretzel boil for 30 seconds. (not more than that or your pretzel will taste off). Use a strainer to dish out the pretzel, let the water drips on a bowl before transferring it on the kitchen towel. Do the same for the rest of the pretzel.
Transfer all the pretzels back to the baking sheet. Apply egg wash to the top and sprinkle with some parmesan
Bake for 13-15 minutes. Some of the mozzarella might ooze out during baking ( as shown on some of my photos). Don’t worry, it still be awesomely good =)
Pretzels are best eaten when warm. Enjoy!