Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Soft Beer Pretzels That Will Make You Forget Your Fork

Let’s be honest: sometimes you just want a snack that’s both comforting and a tad indulgent. If you love cheesy deliciousness and need a quick and easy recipe, these Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Soft Beer Pretzels are for you.

These soft-baked pretzels are filled with a creamy mixture of artichoke hearts, spinach, and plenty of cheese – making them truly irresistible. The addition of beer in the dough creates a distinct flavour that you won’t soon forget.

The Allure of Artichokes

I'll be honest, I'm not a lover of peeling apart globe artichokes, but h and me a jar of ready prepared artichoke hearts and I'm a happy girl. These marinated treats bring a special flavour to the pretzels. The subtle earthiness of the artichokes brilliantly complements the creaminess of the cheese and the freshness of the spinach. Combine them with cheese and spinach in a soft beer pretzel and my day is made!

Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Soft Beer Pretzels Recipe

Pretzels

• 1/2 cup arm water

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 cup wheat beer, at room temperature

• 113g salted butter

• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cups baking soda (for boiling the pretzels)

• 1 egg, beaten

• Sea salt

  
  

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Filling

• 120g cream cheese

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated

• 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess water

• 1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped

• Small handful of chopped capers in brine

Method

1. Combine the water, brown sugar and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the dough hook until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Add the beer, melted butter, salt, and flour to the mixture and mix on low-speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead into a ball with your hands. Coat a large bowl with oil, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a clean towel or cling film and place in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, approximately 1 hour

3.  In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic and salt. Stir in the spinach artichokes and capers.

4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

5. Divide the pretzel dough into 8 equal balls and roll each out into a rectangle (about 11x3 inches). Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons spinach and artichoke dip along the length of each piece. Starting with the opposite side, roll the dough up into a log, enclosing the toppings inside. Pinch the seams together and then very gently roll the dough with your hands to form an even cylinder and fully enclose the filling (see above photos).

6. To shape into pretzels, take the right side and cross over to the left. Cross right to left again and flip up. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water. Boil the pretzels in the water, 2 at a time for 30 seconds, splashing the tops with the warmed water using a spoon. Remove with a large flat slotted spatula or a spider. Line two baking sheets with baking paper placing 4 pretzels on each. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and season liberally with sea salt. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until pretzels are golden brown.

7. Remove pretzels from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Delicious Pairing Suggestions

These soft baked pretzels make a fantastic appetizer for any gathering. Pair them with your favourite dips – creamy ranch or zesty cheese sauce enhances the cheesy artichoke filling incredibly well.

For a drink pairing, consider enjoying these pretzels with a craft beer that complements the undertones of your pretzel dough.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pretzels

• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step is critical for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust that pretzels are known for.

  
  

• Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella works well, try mixing in sharp cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.

  
  

• Make Ahead: Preparing pretzels in advance works wonders for parties. You can freeze them and bake fresh when your guests arrive.

  
  

• Customize the Filling: If you have favorite vegetables, mix those in too. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers add a nice twist.

  
  

Wrap-Up: Enjoy Your Pretzel Creations!

These Cheesy Artichoke and Spinach Soft Beer Pretzels check all the boxes for a fantastic snack. They’re delicious, super easy to make, and will make using forks feel unnecessary. With their cheesy filling and soft, comforting dough, you might find yourself making them weekly.

So put away the forks and dive headfirst into this delightful recipe that will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your friends and family. Happy baking!