These Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Pretzels combine all the flavors of a classic dip with the delicious crunch of freshly baked pretzel dough. The creamy spinach and artichoke mixture is perfectly complemented by the saltiness of the dough, creating a savory snack everyone will love.
Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner, these pretzels are easy to make yet so impressive. You can even make them ahead of time and bake them just before serving for that freshly baked pretzel flavor. The combination of cheese, spinach, and artichokes will have your guests coming back for more!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 batch of pretzel dough (or 10 pre-made pretzel dough balls)
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1 cup spinach, chopped
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1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Coarse sea salt for topping
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add spinach and artichokes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and artichokes are softened. Remove from heat.
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In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, sour cream, and the spinach-artichoke mixture. Stir well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Roll out the pretzel dough into 10 equal pieces and flatten each one into a circle.
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Place a spoonful of the spinach-artichoke mixture into the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch the dough together to seal.
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Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of baking soda. Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush each stuffed pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 stuffed pretzels
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The concept of these pretzel rolls originates from a recipe by Half Baked Harvest for Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Pretzels. The idea was a marriage of two beloved appetizers: the classic, creamy spinach artichoke dip and the beloved, salty pretzel. By stuffing the dip into the pretzel dough, the author created a convenient and super-tasty twist, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. Who doesn’t love the idea of stuffing a dip right inside a pretzel? Plus, the warm, gooey interior and crispy exterior make each bite an absolute treat.
As football season rolls around, these stuffed pretzels make for a perfect appetizer to serve at game day gatherings. They’re sizable enough to be satisfying yet easy to enjoy in small bites.
Making the Pretzel Dough
The dough for these stuffed pretzels is derived from an easy soft pretzel recipe that’s both simple and quick. The dough doesn’t require hours of rising time, which makes it approachable even for novice bakers. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up this dough in no time.
The preparation starts with adding honey, warm milk, and yeast to a mixer, allowing the yeast to froth. This activates the yeast, which is essential for the dough to rise and form that characteristic texture. The dough itself should feel soft and pliable, similar to playdough, and not too sticky or too dry. Once kneaded and rested for about 20 minutes, you’ll have a dough that’s perfect for shaping into pretzel rolls.
Crafting the Spinach Artichoke Dip
The spinach artichoke dip inside these pretzels is what makes them truly irresistible. Traditionally, spinach artichoke dip is loaded with creamy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan cheese, making it rich and indulgent. In this recipe, these ingredients come together to form a dip that’s perfect for stuffing into the pretzel rolls.
To add a touch of freshness, you can use defrosted frozen spinach. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water to avoid making the dip too watery. Combining this with the tang of sour cream and the flavor of artichokes creates the perfect filling. The creamy base of the dip blends seamlessly with the soft pretzel dough, resulting in a snack that’s both savory and comforting.
Assembling the Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Pretzels
Once your dough is ready and the spinach artichoke dip is prepped, the fun part begins: assembling the rolls. Start by dividing the dough into even pieces and rolling each one into a circle. You’ll place a generous scoop of the spinach artichoke dip in the center and fold the edges of the dough around the filling to form a roll. This step requires a bit of patience, but it’s worth it once you see how the rolls come together.
The rolls should be placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allowed to rise for a second time. This second rise helps the dough develop more flavor and ensures it puffs up properly while baking.
The Secret to Perfect Pretzel Texture
What sets soft pretzels apart from other baked goods is their signature crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. This texture is achieved through a unique step in the baking process: a quick bath in boiling water with baking soda. The baking soda helps to create that beautiful golden-brown color and gives the pretzels their characteristic texture. When the stuffed pretzels are placed into the baking soda bath, they develop the perfect texture that makes them irresistible to eat.
Baking the Stuffed Pretzels
The final step is baking. Once the rolls have had their bath, they’re ready to go into the oven. The baking time ensures the pretzels get that deep golden color and fully cook through without undercooking the dip inside. The final touch comes when you brush the baked pretzels with melted butter, giving them a glossy finish and enhancing the flavor.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Pretzels
Once your pretzels are baked to perfection, serve them warm. They make an excellent appetizer or snack on their own, but for extra indulgence, pair them with marinara sauce for dipping. The rich, creamy dip inside the pretzel, combined with the slightly salty crust, pairs perfectly with the tangy marinara sauce. These stuffed pretzels are sure to be the star of any party, especially when served with a side of dipping sauce.
Variations and Tips
While this recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, you can get creative with different fillings or seasonings. For instance, if you love garlic, add some minced garlic to the dip or sprinkle it on top of the rolls before baking. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a richer flavor profile.
Another variation is to swap out the spinach for other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard for a different twist on the filling. You could even add a bit of cooked chicken for a heartier version, perfect for a meal. Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Pretzels are a unique and indulgent take on two classic favorites. The combination of creamy spinach artichoke dip and warm, soft pretzel dough creates a snack that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a potluck, or simply for a fun baking project, these stuffed pretzels are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, versatile, and delicious, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, savory snacks with a twist. So why not make a batch today and treat yourself to this delightful recipe?
Enjoy these pretzel rolls warm out of the oven, paired with marinara sauce, and let the comforting flavors take center stage at your next gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends or family, they’re bound to be devoured in no time.