# 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 (for 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:
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 for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended. Set aside.
03 - Set oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
04 - Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place about 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch dough closed to form filled balls.
05 - Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, ensuring they touch to form a wreath.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds, then return to the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath shape.
07 - Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
08 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pretzel bites turn deep golden brown.
09 - Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish by sprinkling chopped parsley and nestling cherry tomato halves between the pretzel bites.
10 - Serve warm and pull apart to enjoy.
