Pizza Pretzels: Perfectly Cheesy and Delightful
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
These Pizza Pretzels, a delightful gift from my sister, have become a favorite in my kitchen for both their deliciousness and ease of preparation. Ideal for lunches and snacks, these pretzels are not just fun to make but also a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re packing them for a lunchbox or serving them at a party, they are sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dough.
- 1 packet (about 4 teaspoons) fast rising yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly, giving the pretzels their airy texture.
- 1 cup hot water – Activates the yeast, starting the dough’s rise.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Adds moisture and helps to make the pretzels tender.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides a gooey, cheesy topping that complements the pretzel’s savory flavor.
- Spaghetti sauce – A bit of this spread on top gives the pretzels a pizza-like flair.
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the hot water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Stir in the salt and vegetable oil, followed by the flour, mixing well. You may need to add up to 2 more cups of flour to get the right dough consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
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Knead and Shape: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 40 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-10 inch long rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel form, twisting the ends and pressing them down to secure.
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Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped pretzels onto greased large cookie sheets, making sure they are spaced out to allow for expansion. Let them rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.
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Add Toppings and Bake: Just before baking, spread approximately 1 teaspoon of spaghetti sauce on each pretzel, and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before enjoying them warm.
These Pizza Pretzels are perfect as a snack or a fun addition to any lunch. Their combination of soft, chewy pretzel dough with gooey cheese and a hint of pizza sauce makes them irresistible. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats!
Nutritional Information (per pretzel):
- Calories: 174.9
- Fat: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 6.6mg
- Sodium: 273.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5.1g
Feel free to tweak the toppings to your liking, adding herbs or different cheeses if desired. Happy baking! 🍕🥨
