# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet instant yeast (7 g)
03 - 1 tablespoon sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheese Filling
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella (120 g)
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (60 g)
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (30 g)
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped chives
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pretzel Bath & Topping
13 - 1/2 cup baking soda (120 g)
14 - 8 cups water (2 L)
15 - 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
16 - Coarse pretzel salt for sprinkling
17 - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
→ Garnish
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
19 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk and melted butter, then mix and knead until a soft, smooth dough forms, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes.
02 - In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
04 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each portion, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, and pinch the dough around the filling to seal into a ball.
05 - Place dough balls close together on the prepared baking sheet, forming a ring shape to create a wreath.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully submerge each dough ball for 15 to 20 seconds, then return them to the baking sheet, preserving the wreath shape.
07 - Brush the dough balls evenly with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
09 - Remove from oven and, while warm, brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and tuck halved cherry tomatoes between the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
10 - Serve warm. Pull apart individual bite-sized pretzel balls to enjoy.
