Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs: Your New Favorite Cheesy, Garlicky Snack
Welcome to the tantalizing world of homemade pretzel bread! Get ready to dive into these utterly delightful Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs – an exquisite blend of chewy, savory pretzel dough embracing a molten heart of gooey, garlicky cheese. These aren’t just snacks; they’re an experience, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.
Finally! After almost a month-long hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that Erica’s Recipes is officially UP and running with a brand new look and feel! This past month has been a whirlwind of activity, getting this site squared away with new hosting, a fresh layout, optimized plug-ins, and my very first custom logo. Crafting that logo was an adventure in itself, involving multiple talented designers and numerous iterations – I was admittedly uber picky, but I’m sure you understand the desire for perfection when it comes to your passion project! So, a huge WELCOME to the new and improved Erica’s Recipes!
I owe a massive thank you to my incredible IT Department, my husband Joe, for making this extensive transformation a reality. His patience and technical prowess were absolutely essential. While you’re here, be sure to explore our updated Full Recipe Index, which now boasts a complete listing of our almost 400 recipes, making it easier than ever to find your next culinary inspiration!
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been busy in the kitchen, creating over a dozen delicious new recipes. I’ll be sharing them with you gradually over the coming weeks, but we simply had to kick things off with the one I’m most excited about: these irresistible Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs!
The Inspiration Behind These Cheesy Balls of Love
Let’s say it again, just because it sounds so good: Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs. What was the inspiration for these golden, gooey delights? Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint a single source. Perhaps I stumbled upon a captivating image somewhere, or maybe it was just a deep-seated craving for the ultimate comfort food. What I did know was that I wanted my first recipe posted on the new site to be truly special, a showstopper that encapsulated the essence of what Erica’s Recipes is all about: delicious, approachable, and utterly satisfying homemade food. And nothing quite says “special” like warm, soft, gooey, cheesy bread balls.
The fact that they’re made using homemade pretzel bread should immediately grab your attention – homemade pretzel bread is, without a doubt, one of the greatest things ever to emerge from an oven. The unique chew, the slightly crisp exterior, and that unmistakable pretzel tang create the perfect canvas for a rich, flavorful cheese filling. These bombs are designed to be an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite, making them ideal for an appetizer, a party snack, or even a delightful accompaniment to a casual meal.
Crafting these pretzel bombs is a rewarding experience. From kneading the dough to witnessing it transform into perfectly golden-brown bites, every step is a joy. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these are baking is simply divine, promising the deliciousness that awaits. They are a true testament to the magic of homemade baking, delivering a taste and texture that store-bought options simply can’t match.
The Ultimate Recipe: Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs
Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bombs
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Ingredients
- 1 recipe Pretzel Bread Dough
- all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- garlic and herb cheese see Notes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 c baking soda
- course sea salt
Instructions
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Once dough has risen, heat the oven to 400F. Half fill a large pot with water and add the baking soda. Bring to a boil.
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Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured board and cut into 32 pieces. Put a cube of cheese on each, and form the dough around the cheese pressing the seams very well to seal the cheese in completely.
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Working in batches, boil the dough balls in the poaching liquid 1 minute. Remove from the water to a greased baking sheet (make sure it’s greased or the bread will stick when it cooks). Slice a small, shallow “X” on the top of each roll with a sharp knife (be careful to not cut through to the cheese!). Add a little water to the egg to make an egg wash (~2 t). Brush dough balls with the egg wash. Sprinkle tops with sea salt. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 or until well browned. Yields 32 bites.
Notes
Also, I have made this with a garlic and herbed cheddar and a garlic and pesto Monterey Jack. The jack worked better since it melts more nicely anyway.
Crafting Perfection: Tips for Your Pretzel Bread Bombs
Achieving pretzel perfection requires a few key considerations. Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs turn out flawlessly every time:
- The Dough is Key: The foundation of these bombs is a fantastic pretzel bread dough. Follow the Pretzel Bread Dough recipe diligently. Proper rising is crucial for a soft, chewy texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Cheese Selection: The recipe suggests a garlic and herb cheese, with Monterey Jack being a great choice due to its superior melt. Other excellent options include low-moisture mozzarella, mild cheddar, or even a blend for a more complex flavor. Ensure your cheese is cut into roughly 1-inch cubes for even melting and easy stuffing. Avoid overly watery cheeses, as they might cause more leakage.
- Sealing is Crucial: When forming the dough around the cheese, pay extra attention to sealing the seams completely. A well-sealed ball will minimize cheese leakage during baking, ensuring a perfectly gooey center. While some leakage is normal and tasty (as noted in the recipe!), a good seal keeps most of that cheesy goodness where it belongs.
- The Baking Soda Bath: This step is what gives pretzels their signature dark, shiny crust and distinct flavor. The alkaline solution reacts with the dough, promoting the Maillard reaction during baking. Ensure the water is at a rolling boil when you add the dough balls and that they are only boiled for one minute. Over-boiling can result in a rubbery texture.
- Grease Your Baking Sheet: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Pretzel dough is notoriously sticky once baked. A well-greased baking sheet (or parchment paper with a light spray of cooking oil) is essential to prevent sticking.
- The “X” Mark: The shallow “X” cut on top serves a dual purpose: it allows steam to escape, preventing the bombs from bursting unevenly, and it creates that classic pretzel bread aesthetic. Be gentle to avoid cutting all the way through to the cheese.
- Egg Wash & Coarse Sea Salt: The egg wash contributes to the beautiful golden-brown color and helps the coarse sea salt adhere, providing that essential salty crunch that is synonymous with pretzels. Don’t skip it!
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Pretzel Bomb Experience
These Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Straight from the Oven: They are undeniably best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is at its meltiest and the pretzel bread is softest.
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance the experience with a dipping sauce! Classic options include warm marinara sauce, a creamy cheese dip, tangy honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even a refreshing ranch dressing.
- Party Appetizer: Their bite-sized nature makes them a perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. They are always a crowd-pleaser!
- Soup or Salad Companion: Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup or a fresh salad instead of traditional bread rolls for an unexpected and delightful twist.
- Kid-Friendly Snack: Kids absolutely love these cheesy bites. They’re a fun, flavorful, and filling snack.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big “if”!), here’s how to store and reheat your pretzel bombs to keep them delicious:
- Storage: Store cooled pretzel bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy again. This will help restore their pretzel-like texture. You can also microwave them for a quicker reheat, but they may lose some of their crispness.
- Freezing: These bombs freeze beautifully! Once baked and completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat frozen bombs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Flavor Variations to Try
While the classic garlic cheese filling is a winner, feel free to get creative with these pretzel bombs:
- Spicy Kick: Add finely minced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your cheese filling for a hint of heat. Pepper jack cheese also works wonderfully here.
- Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme into the dough or the cheese filling for an aromatic boost.
- Smoked Cheese: Use smoked gouda or smoked cheddar for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Everything Bagel Topping: Instead of just coarse sea salt, sprinkle the egg-washed bombs with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a multi-textured and flavorful crust.
- Garlic Butter Finish: After baking, brush the hot pretzel bombs with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic for an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought pretzel dough for these bombs?
While homemade pretzel dough is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly try using store-bought pizza dough or pretzel dough as a shortcut. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might differ slightly, and you’ll still need to perform the baking soda bath step for the pretzel-like crust.
What kind of garlic and herb cheese should I use?
As mentioned in the notes, Monterey Jack with garlic and pesto is a fantastic choice because it melts beautifully. Any good quality, melty cheese infused with garlic and herbs will work well. Consider brands like Boursin (though it might be too soft to cube easily), or simply grate your favorite melty cheese and mix it with minced garlic and dried herbs.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
Some cheese leakage is quite normal due to the steam created as the cheese melts inside the dough. This is precisely why the recipe notes mention to “just scoop it up and go with it!” However, to minimize leakage, ensure you press the seams of the dough very well when forming the balls around the cheese, creating a tight seal. Also, ensure your “X” cut on top is shallow, as a deep cut can encourage more leakage.
Can I make these pretzel bombs ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough, stuff the cheese, and boil the bombs. After boiling, allow them to cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen (with an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time) after applying the egg wash and salt. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight, then proceed with stuffing and baking the next day.
We are incredibly excited for you to try these Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Bombs. They truly represent the heart of our revamped Erica’s Recipes – comforting, delicious, and made with love. We hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as we do!
Happy baking, and welcome once again to the new Erica’s Recipes. We can’t wait to share more culinary adventures with you!