Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the irresistible flavors of pepperoni, melty cheese, and perfectly golden pretzels! These Hormel Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Dippers are about to become your new obsession - a mouthwatering fusion of comfort food that will have everyone begging for more. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden exterior to discover a molten core of savory pepperoni and gooey cheese that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for a show-stopping appetizer, or simply craving a delicious homemade snack, these pretzel dippers are guaranteed to be a total game-changer!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pretzel dough
- 1 cup Hormel pepperoni, chopped
- 1 cup cheese, cubed (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda for boiling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Open the can of refrigerated pretzel dough and gently unroll it on a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Take each piece of pretzel dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Make sure it's large enough to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped Hormel pepperoni and cubed cheese. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed with the pepperoni.
- Place a spoonful of the pepperoni and cheese mixture in the center of each flattened piece of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as this could make sealing the pretzel dippers difficult.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to seal completely. Roll the filled dough into a smooth ball or shape it into a log, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- In a large pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water. This will create a lye solution that gives the pretzels their characteristic flavor and texture.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently lower each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water, cooking them for about 30 seconds on each side. This process helps to set the dough and adds to the pretzel flavor.
- After boiling, remove the pretzel dippers from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out evenly.
- Brush the tops of the pretzel dippers with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baking. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel dippers are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or cheese sauce, and enjoy your delicious Hormel Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Dippers!
Tips
- Make sure to seal the pretzel dough completely to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling or baking.
- Use a slotted spoon when boiling the pretzels to ensure easy removal and minimal water retention.
- Don't skip the baking soda bath - it's crucial for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and golden-brown exterior.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or smoked gouda.
- Let the pretzel dippers cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth on the hot filling.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or a spicy cheese dip for maximum deliciousness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
