Taste the Keystone State: Pennsylvania's Soft Pretzels with Gooey Cheese Centers

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When you think of Pennsylvania, it's hard not to picture the rich tradition of soft pretzels. From street vendors to home kitchens, the soft pretzel is a beloved snack that represents the heart of this state's comfort food culture. But what happens when you take this iconic snack and give it a delicious twist? Enter the cheese-stuffed soft pretzel—combining Pennsylvania’s favorite soft dough with gooey, melted cheddar cheese in the center. It's the perfect blend of salty, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist!

This take on the classic Pennsylvania soft pretzel is a tribute to the state’s German roots and a reflection of its modern love for bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a snack at a game day party, or just indulging in a cozy afternoon at home, these cheese-filled soft pretzels are sure to make any occasion a little bit more special.

Recipe: Pennsylvania Soft Pretzels with Cheese Center

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°-120°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound block mild cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or coating it with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, pour warm water, then sprinkle yeast and sugar over it. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is activated and ready to go.
3. While waiting for the yeast to bloom, cut the block of cheddar cheese into 36 small pieces, making sure each piece is less than ½ ounce.
4. Fill an 8-quart pot with water and set it to boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of water and set it aside.
5. In the stand mixer bowl (or by hand), add flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for 3-5 minutes, forming a smooth ball of dough. If the dough feels sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s just tacky.
6. Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it’s no longer sticky. Shape the dough into a ball, and cut it into 36 even pieces by dividing it into quarters, then into smaller pieces.
7. Roll each small piece into a ball, flatten it into a circle, and place one piece of cheddar cheese in the center. Pull the dough up around the cheese, sealing it tightly so no cheese peeks through. Roll it gently into a ball.
8. Carefully, sprinkle baking soda into the boiling water, a little at a time. Be cautious, as it will bubble up!
9. Add the pretzel dough balls to the boiling water in small batches, cooking them for 30 seconds each. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them cool on parchment paper.
10. Once all pretzel balls are boiled, arrange them on the baking sheet without touching. Brush each one with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm for the ultimate cheese-filled pretzel experience!

The Finishing Touch:

What makes these soft pretzels so special is the hidden surprise inside. The crunchy outside, coated with coarse salt, gives way to a warm, cheesy center that is pure indulgence. These pretzel bites are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun snack for yourself. You don’t need an excuse to enjoy this Pennsylvania-inspired treat—just a love for classic flavors and an appreciation for the gooey, cheesy goodness that makes these soft pretzels a standout.

If you're looking for a delightful take on soft pretzels, the cheese-filled version is a must-try. This recipe combines the traditional chewy and salty exterior of a soft pretzel with a delicious, gooey cheddar cheese center, making it an irresistible snack.

The basic process involves creating a simple yeast dough, rolling it into balls, stuffing each with cheddar, and boiling the dough in a baking soda solution before baking. This creates that signature pretzel texture. For an added kick, you can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella​(The SlowRoasted Italian)​(Half Baked Harvest).

For full recipe instructions, storage tips, and even suggestions on alternative cheese options, you can check out the full recipes from The Slow Roasted Italian and Half Baked Harvest, which provide clear, step-by-step guides to perfecting this cheesy delight​(The Slow Roasted Italian)​(Half Baked Harvest).