# What You'll 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 cheese
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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
14 - 8 cups water
15 - 1 egg, beaten
16 - Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
17 - 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional for brushing
→ Garnish
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
# Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and melted butter. Mix and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
02 - Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
03 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
04 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch the dough to completely seal the cheese inside and form smooth balls.
05 - Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, touching each other to form a ring shape resembling a wreath.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each dough ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds, then return to the baking sheet maintaining the wreath formation.
07 - Brush each ball with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until deep golden brown.
09 - Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and nestle halved cherry tomatoes between the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
10 - Serve warm and encourage guests to pull apart bites for sharing.
