Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid Recipe
This Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid is a delightful fusion of soft pretzel dough and classic pizza flavors. Filled with melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and seasoned with oregano and garlic powder, this unique braid offers a perfect savory snack or meal. Boiled briefly in baking soda water and baked to golden perfection, the pretzel braid boasts a chewy crust and gooey filling that’s sure to impress pizza and pretzel lovers alike.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 pretzel braids (serves 8) 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking later on.
- Prepare Boiling Water: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This solution will give the pretzel braid its classic chewy crust.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 10×6 inches in size on a floured surface.
- Add Filling: Evenly layer shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, dried oregano, and garlic powder over each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Form Braid: Fold the dough over the filling and twist or braid the edges to seal in the filling securely, forming a tight braid shape.
- Boil Braid: Carefully place each pretzel braid into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for about 30 seconds on each side to develop the traditional pretzel crust texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Remove the braids with a slotted spoon and place them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pretzel braids are golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate yeast is warm but not hot; around 110°F is ideal to avoid killing the yeast.
- The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving the authentic pretzel crust texture and flavor.
- You can customize the filling with other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for variety.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the baked pretzel braid to prevent dragging the cheese filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel braid (approximately 1/4 of the total recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: stuffed pretzel, pizza pretzel braid, homemade pretzel, pepperoni pretzel, mozzarella stuffed pretzel, snack recipe, savory braid