If you’re anything like me and love the cozy combo of soft pretzels and that classic creamy spinach and artichoke dip, then this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe is poised to become your new favorite snack. I absolutely love how the warm, doughy pretzel blankets the cheesy, garlicky filling—it’s like a little adventure for your taste buds that feels so comforting at the same time. Honestly, this is a recipe that shines when you want something special for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even an indulgent weekend treat.
When I first tried making these, I was surprised at how approachable the recipe actually is. You’ll find that once the dough comes together and rises, stuffing the pretzels with the luscious spinach and artichoke filling is just downright fun. Plus, you get all those rich flavors baked right inside, so no dipping mess—just grab and enjoy. Trust me, the time you invest is so worth it when you see everyone going back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly cheesy: The filling blends cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan for that unbeatable creamy, melty bite.
- Soft pretzel goodness: The dough yields soft, chewy pretzels with just the right salty crust you’ll crave.
- Perfect for sharing: These stuffed pretzels are a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a family snack or a party appetizer.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep these in advance and freeze them, making your next snack or party stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe serves a purpose, coming together to create that perfect balance of soft dough and flavorful filling. When shopping, I suggest opting for good-quality cheeses and fresh or well-marinated artichokes to really boost the taste.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast perfectly; make sure it’s not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the dough’s saltiness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your pretzels soft and airy; fresh yeast equals a better rise.
- Wheat beer: Gives the dough a deep, malty flavor; room temperature to avoid shocking the yeast.
- Salted butter: Melted for mixing; adds richness and helps tenderize the dough.
- Sea salt or kosher salt: Integral to the dough’s flavor and for sprinkling on top for that classic pretzel crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s structure; you might need to add a teaspoon or two depending on humidity.
- Baking soda: Used in the boiling water bath to give your pretzels their signature brown crust.
- Egg (beaten): Brushed on for that shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that authentic pretzel look and a punch of salty flavor.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base of the filling, making every bite luscious.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully and adds stringy cheese pull.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the filling.
- Garlic (minced or grated): Just enough to brighten the filling with aromatic warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A little spicy kick to balance out the richness.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry to avoid soggy dough.
- Marinated artichokes: Chopped for that tangy, tender texture in each bite.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe, and honestly, it’s very forgiving if you want to swap or add ingredients. Feel free to tweak the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun!
- Vegan Version: I once swapped cream cheese and mozzarella for vegan cream cheese and a plant-based cheese blend, and it turned out amazing—a great option if you’re skipping dairy.
- Extra Veggies: Adding finely chopped roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms can give the filling an exciting twist and extra umami flavor.
- Spice it Up: I sometimes add smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne alongside the red pepper flakes to bring a smoky heat that my family goes crazy for.
- Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried this in gluten-free flour, but swapping in a high-quality gluten-free blend might work well if you give it a shot—just know the texture could be a bit different.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start Your Dough
Start by combining warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast in your mixer bowl. I like to use a stand mixer with a dough hook—you’ll see the mixture get bubbly after about 5 minutes, which shows the yeast is alive and ready to work. If your mix isn’t foaming, the yeast might be old or the water temperature off, so be sure to double-check that before moving on.
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients and Flour, Knead the Dough
Next, add your wheat beer, melted butter, salt, and flour. Keep the mixer on low first until it’s all combined, then crank it to medium and knead for about 3-4 minutes until the dough looks smooth and peels away from the bowl sides. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a little flour at a time—adding too much at once can dry it out. Then, I recommend turning the dough out onto a floured surface and giving it a quick hand knead to make a nice, tight ball.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl with some oil, place your dough ball inside, and turn it to coat. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and stash it in a warm place to double in size—this usually takes about an hour. I’ve found that a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window is perfect for this. The rising step is critical because it makes your pretzels light and chewy, so be patient here!
Step 4: Prepare the Spinach and Artichoke Filling
While the dough does its thing, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until creamy and combined. Then fold in your chopped artichokes and drained spinach—make sure to squeeze out any excess water or the filling could get watery and make the dough soggy. I used to skip this step and learned the hard way that dry spinach is a must for perfect results.
Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Shape Your Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 425°F and bring a pot of water to a boil. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls then roll each into an 11×3 inch rectangle. Spread about 1 ½ tablespoons of the filling along each dough strip’s length. Carefully roll up the dough to form a log, pinching the seams well to seal in that cheesy treasure. Then, you shape the pretzels by crossing the right side over the left twice and flipping up, creating those classic loops. Take your time here—the more even your rolls, the better your final product will look and taste.
Step 6: Boil and Bake Those Pretzels
Add the baking soda to your boiling water slowly—this creates that signature pretzel crust. Boil the pretzels two at a time for 30 seconds, and to get that beautiful even crust, splash some of the soda water on top while boiling. Use a slotted spatula to transfer them gently to lined baking sheets. Brush with beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown—the smell at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes to set the crust and avoid burning tongues (been there!). Serve warm and watch your family or friends dive right in. If you have leftovers, they’re fabulous reheated or even frozen for later enjoyment.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Squeeze the Spinach Well: Getting rid of excess moisture from spinach prevents soggy dough and ensures your filling stays creamy and not watery.
- Seal Those Edges: Pinch the dough seams tightly after rolling to avoid the filling leaking during boiling and baking.
- Use Room Temperature Beer: This keeps the yeast happy and active, which means a fluffier rise and softer pretzels.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: The alkaline bath helps form that classic pretzel crust and deep brown color you want, so it’s well worth the extra step.
How to Serve Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these stuffed pretzels with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and, if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil. Sometimes I add a little fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten them up and give a pop of color—makes them look extra inviting when guests come over.
Side Dishes
These pretzels pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for cozy evenings. I’ve also served them alongside homemade ranch or spicy mustard dips for those who want a bit more flavor variety without overpowering the filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes slice the pretzels into smaller pinwheels that everybody can grab easily—this way, they’re perfect finger food. Another fun idea I tried was arranging them in a circle on a platter around a bowl of extra spinach artichoke dip, turning the whole thing into an eye-catching appetizer centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover stuffed pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate—but bring them back to room temp or warm before eating as refrigeration can toughen the dough a bit.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver here. I freeze uncooked pretzels on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them into a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, just boil and bake straight from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. This trick makes quick snacks super easy on busy days.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, which crisps the crust back up nicely without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that chewy pretzel texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, just sauté it lightly and squeeze out all the water before mixing it into the filling. This will prevent the dough from getting soggy and ensure the filling stays thick and creamy.
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What kind of beer is best for the dough?
I usually go for a wheat beer because its light, malty flavor complements the dough without overpowering it. But feel free to experiment with your favorite beers – avoid anything too bitter or dark to keep the dough balanced.
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Can I make these Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before boiling and baking, or freeze them uncooked and bake later. Just remember to add a few minutes to the bake time if baking from frozen.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure you pinch the dough seams together really well after rolling the filling inside. Also, rolling gently to form an even log helps seal everything in perfectly. Proper sealing is the key to keeping the stuffing inside during boiling and baking.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s a perfect marriage of a classic snack and a beloved dip, all wrapped up in one delicious package. If you’re looking for a unique, crowd-pleasing treat that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated, you’ll love making these. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience how irresistible and fun they are to share with family and friends. Happy baking!
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Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft pretzels stuffed with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip filling, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. These homemade pretzels combine the rich flavors of cheese, spinach, and marinated artichokes, wrapped in a tender beer-infused dough, boiled briefly in baking soda water for the authentic pretzel texture, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Soft Beer Pretzels Dough
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup wheat beer, at room temperature
- 1 stick salted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling the pretzels)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess water
- 1 (6.7 oz) jar marinated artichokes, chopped
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix until combined and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Make the dough: Add the wheat beer, melted butter, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and starts pulling away from the bowl. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it’s too wet. Remove dough from bowl and knead briefly by hand into a ball.
- Let the dough rise: Coat a large bowl with oil, place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rest in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Fold in the thawed and drained chopped spinach along with the chopped marinated artichokes, mixing until well combined.
- Preheat oven and boil water: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil in preparation for boiling the pretzels with baking soda.
- Shape the pretzels with filling: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Roll each into an approximately 11 by 3 inch rectangle. Spread about 1 ½ tablespoons of the spinach and artichoke dip evenly along each dough rectangle’s length. Roll the dough tightly to form a log, enclosing the filling. Pinch the seams closed and gently roll the log to smooth.
- Form the pretzels: Twist the rolled dough into classic pretzel shapes by crossing the right end over the left twice, then folding up to form the pretzel loops.
- Boil pretzels: Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, then boil two pretzels at a time for 30 seconds, spooning some water over their tops to ensure even coverage. Remove with a slotted spatula or spider and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 4 pretzels per sheet.
- Apply egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove baked pretzels from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the spinach to prevent soggy filling.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for best rising results; expired yeast may inhibit dough rise.
- Baking soda bath gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and dark brown color.
- Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- The pretzels can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to refresh their softness and warmth.
- Substitute wheat beer with any light beer or non-alcoholic beer if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pretzel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg