Description
These soft pretzel knots are stuffed with sharp Irish cheddar and fresh chives, making them a festive, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy gathering. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 1/2 cups sharp Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 6 cups water (for pretzel bath)
- Coarse kosher salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a slightly tacky dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled.
- While dough rises, shred cheddar and chop chives. Mix together in a small bowl.
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, flatten slightly, sprinkle with cheese-chive filling, roll up, and tie into a loose knot. Tuck ends underneath.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large pot, bring 6 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Lower knots in batches into the bath for 30 seconds each, turning once. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle knots with coarse salt. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Brush hot knots with melted butter. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheddar and plant-based butter. Don’t overstuff with cheese to prevent bursting. If knots brown too quickly, tent with foil. Serve warm for best flavor; pair with grainy mustard or herbed cream cheese for dipping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel knot
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Irish cheddar, pretzel knots, St. Patrick's Day, appetizer, cheese, chives, easy, party food, vegetarian