Mar 6, 2012

Cookbook : Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Pretzel

Last week I spent the day shopping with my younger sister.  We popped into Starbucks to re-fuel and I noticed they were selling spinach and feta cheese stuffed pretzels.  I ordered one for us to share, and all I could think about for the next few days was trying to re-create a similar recipe.  If you've never made pretzels before you're about to be hooked.  They are really easy to make, and taste so so good.  Pretzels are a great place to play around with new recipes - savory and sweet.

Homemade Soft Pretzel via Two Peas and Their Pod
Soft Pretzel Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3 ounces unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 1/2 cups all-
purpose flour
Cooking Spray ( any oil will do)
3 quarts water
3/4 cup baking soda
1 whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water
Coarse sea salt

Stuffing Ingredients:
8 oz. fresh mozarella cheese
9 oz. spinach, chopped
Garlic powder, salt, & pepper, to taste

-Combine water, sugar,yeast, and butter.  Mix and let sit for about 5 minutes.
-Combine flour and salt.
- Slowly mix wet and dry ingredients in a stand mixer using dough hook.  Let dough continue to knead until it begins to pull away from sides of bowl.  This should take only a few minutes.  If the mixture is too wet, add extra flour- 1 tablespoon at a time.  If it's too dry, add 1 tablespoon of oil (I prefer Olive Oil).
-Place the dough on your work surface and, using your hands, knead the dough into a ball.
- Spray bowl with oil and place dough inside.  Cover the dough with a plastic bag or clean dish towel and place in a warm room.  (I set mine in the garage).  Allow to double in size, about 1 hour.
-While the dough is rising, chop spinach and dice mozzarella into small pieces.  Toss together in a bowl, adding garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
-Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
-Fill a pot on the stovetop with water and baking soda, allowing it to come to a boil.
-After the dough has risen, lay it back out on your work surface. Taking small pieces of the dough at a time, roll it out into long rectangles.  Place spinach and cheese mixture in the middle, leaving enough room to fold dough over to close. ( The shape that you make with the dough is completely up to you.  I opted for a simple bite size shape.)

 -  Slowly add a few pieces of dough to the boiling water, leaving them in for about 30 seconds.  Use a slotted spoon to remove dough from water and transfer them to a oiled baking sheet.
- Cover un-baked pretzels with egg wash and a sprinkling of coarse salt (optional).
-Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

These are really good straight out of the oven.  Pull apart,stringy melted cheese good.  I served them with a side marinara sauce ( or you could make your own).

Next time, I think I'd like to try making a sweet pretzel version.  Nutella & Cinnamon anyone?

18 comments:

  1. I'm so making this this weekend! Thanks for the recipe! They look so good!

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  2. First time commenting here:) you have a loveable blog!

    The spinach and cheese stuffed pretzels look gorgeous, perfect for the remainder of wintry cold with a cuppa tea.

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  3. ooooh yes, yes yes! they look divine.

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  4. nice
    that looks good and easy to make

    http://yajairasfashionnotes.blogspot.com/

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  5. Yummmm! You are making me hungry!
    XO,

    Sam
    www.ThePeakofTresChic.com

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  6. omg Nuha even though I literally just finished eating my mouth is watering just watching this!! Thanks a lot! lol And please keep me posted about your Nutella & Cinnamon version. You know us we were all brought up with a spoon full of nutella in our mouths! Best post of the day! x

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  7. Waw I need to try this! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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  8. Ooooh my boyfriend will love you for sharing this recipe with me! :) Sounds delicious! Thanks girl!

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  9. yummy!!

    www.aroundlucia.com
    www.aroundlucia.com

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  10. I totally need to try this recipe:) Have a great day:) muah

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  11. This sounds ridiculously good! Had no idea you could stuff pretzels!

    xx

    Jen

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  12. Oh my!! These look so amazing!! SO happy to have found your blog. New follower :)

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  13. this looks delish! thank you for your sweet comments on my post over at clothed much! i am your newest follower and cant wait to read more!!

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  14. I didn't know your blog, but I have to say that's really cute and fantastic!
    I follow you pretty
    xoxo

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  15. These look amazing!! I'm going to have to try out the recipe!!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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  16. Um wow!! This just looks and sounds AMAZING! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!

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Thanks for stopping by, I'd love to hear from you! XOXO

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