Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with the Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid, a decadent creation that combines the irresistible flavors of a classic pizza with the warm, satisfying appeal of a freshly baked pretzel. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this elegant snack is a true delight for the senses, offering a harmonious balance of textures and a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid
Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty and irresistible appeal of this Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid. Imagine sinking your teeth into the soft, chewy pretzel exterior, only to be greeted by a warm, gooey interior bursting with the flavors of your favorite pizza toppings. This refined comfort food creation is a true delight, satisfying your cravings for something cozy and indulgent while elevating the dining experience with its elegant presentation and harmonious flavors.
Ingredients
Bring together a symphony of flavors with the carefully selected ingredients for this Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid. From the pillowy pretzel dough to the decadent pizza fillings, each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
- 1 1/2 cups (188g) – All-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon – Instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 1 cup (240ml) – Warm water
- 2 tablespoons – Baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten – For egg wash
- 2 cups (340g) – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) – Marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup (40g) – Pepperoni slices, chopped
- 2 tablespoons – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon – Dried oregano
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or fontina cheese — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Pepperoni: Cooked Italian sausage or diced bell peppers — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid
Embark on a culinary journey as you meticulously craft this Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid, a masterpiece of sophisticated indulgence. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this gourmet snack to life in your own kitchen.
Step 1 — Prepare the Pretzel Dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2 — Assemble the Stuffed Pretzel Braid
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a long rectangle, about 12 inches by 6 inches. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up each rectangle into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
Step 3 — Braid and Bake
Carefully place the two filled logs side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Braid the logs together, twisting and overlapping them to create a beautiful pretzel shape. Brush the entire braid with the beaten egg. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over the top. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pretzel is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Remove the Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this elegant snack, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of marinara sauce if desired.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Personalize the Fillings: Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spicy Italian sausage, to create a truly custom-tailored experience.
- Flavor the Dough: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of garlic powder, dried basil, or Parmesan cheese directly to the pretzel dough.
- Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Bites: Instead of creating a large braid, divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual stuffed pretzel bites for a fun, bite-sized snack.
- Herbed Pretzel Crust: Sprinkle the exterior of the braid with a blend of dried herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme, for a fragrant and visually stunning presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a zesty garlic-Parmesan dip for an elevated dipping experience.
Storage: Store the Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place the braid in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated.
Make-Ahead: The braid can be assembled, braided, and frozen unbaked. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid without compromising your dietary needs. Each serving provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to fuel your body and satisfy your cravings.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the braid
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making the pretzel dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saving option. Simply roll out the dough and proceed with the filling and braiding process as directed in the recipe.
How can I make the pretzel braid extra crispy?
To achieve a crispier pretzel exterior, try brushing the braid with a beaten egg wash twice during the baking process. The first egg wash should be applied before baking, and the second should be applied about halfway through the baking time.
Can I make the Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the braid in advance. Assemble the braid, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake the chilled braid as directed in the recipe.
What’s the best way to store any leftover braid?
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I customize the fillings to my taste?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the pepperoni for your favorite pizza toppings, such as sausage, peppers, or even a combination of different cheeses. The possibilities are endless for creating a truly personalized and indulgent snack.
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Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Massive Stuffed Pizza Pretzel Braid. A delightful twist on classic flavors, this recipe combines soft pretzel dough with a savory filling of cheese, pepperoni, and fresh herbs, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle.
7. Layer mozzarella, pepperoni, oregano, and garlic powder on each rectangle.
8. Fold the dough over the filling and twist into a braid.
9. Boil each braid for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
10. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. This recipe is perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 braid
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg