Description
Golden Baked Pretzel Twists Stuffed with Creamy Mac & Cheese is a delightful fusion of soft pretzels and cheesy macaroni, perfect for a comforting snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Pretzel Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until dough is soft and elastic (6–8 minutes). Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold in cooked macaroni. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pretzel Twists: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or use a greased cast-iron skillet. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, flatten slightly, and spoon some mac & cheese along the center. Pinch edges to seal and twist into a knot or pretzel shape.
- Pretzel Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each twist into the bath for 30 seconds. Remove and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra cheese sauce or mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the dough is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Feel free to customize the cheese filling with your favorite cheeses.
- These pretzel twists are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel twist
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg