Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite indulgent snacks: this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe. It’s like the comforting familiarity of a soft pretzel met the creamy, flavorful goodness of the classic spinach artichoke dip, and they instantly became best friends. I love how you get this amazing melty cheese and veggie filling tucked inside homemade dough that’s perfectly chewy and golden.
If you’re looking for something impressive but totally doable — maybe for game day, a cozy afternoon snack, or to wow your friends at your next hangout — you’ll find that these pretzels hit all the right marks. Honestly, this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe is worth the little extra effort for the smiles it’ll bring around your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Inside, Soft Outside: The cheesy spinach and artichoke filling melts perfectly inside a warm, pillowy pretzel crust.
- Fun and Impressive Snack: You’ll wow guests with something homemade that looks complicated but is surprisingly straightforward.
- Customizable Flavor Boost: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add your favorite cheeses to make it your own.
- Great for Leftovers: These reheat wonderfully, so you can bake a batch ahead and enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together really sets you up for success with this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe. You’ll want fresh and flavorful components that work beautifully together to create that creamy, cheesy filling and a dough that’s chewy yet tender.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast for a lovely, soft dough texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a mild sweetness that balances the savory filling.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for that perfect rise and soft chew.
- Wheat beer: Gives the pretzel a subtle, malty flavor and tenderness.
- Salted butter: Melted in the dough for richness and flavor.
- Sea salt or kosher salt: Adds that classic pretzel saltiness throughout.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the pretzel dough — good quality flour means better texture.
- Baking soda: Used for the water boil to give pretzels their signature crust.
- Egg (beaten): Brushed on the pretzels for a nice golden finish.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that salty crunch.
- Cream cheese: Makes the filling luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey texture.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory bite to the filling.
- Garlic (minced or grated): Boosts flavor with its aromatic punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat that wakes up the cheesy dip.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and well-drained to avoid soggy dough.
- Marinated artichokes: Chopped, for tangy, tender bite inside the filling.
Variations
I love that this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe is pretty flexible — you can easily swap out ingredients or tweak flavors to match your mood or occasion. Adding your own twist makes it feel extra special and personal.
- Cheese Variations: I once swapped mozzarella for pepper jack to add a smoky kick — my family went crazy for it.
- Vegetarian or Vegan: For a vegan take, try dairy-free cream cheese and cheeses, and make sure the dough doesn’t use butter or eggs.
- Additional Fillings: Mushrooms or caramelized onions folded into the dip can deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
- Seasoning Adjustments: If you like things spicier, bump up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and mix the dough
Start by combining warm water, brown sugar, and yeast in your stand mixer bowl — give it a quick mix and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and kicking. Once bubbly, add the beer (room temp is key here), melted butter, salt, and flour. Using the dough hook, mix on low until it comes together, then crank the speed to medium and knead for 3 to 4 minutes — you’ll see the dough smooth out and pull away from the bowl edges. If it feels a bit sticky, don’t be shy adding a tablespoon of extra flour at a time. Then, shape it into a ball, oil a bowl, and let the dough rest covered in a warm spot to double, which takes about an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the spinach and artichoke dip filling
While the dough is rising, whisk together the filling ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Add your thawed and well-drained spinach and chopped artichokes, then stir gently to combine everything into one luscious filling. I like to taste a tiny bit now to adjust salt or pepper — it makes all the difference when the filling is tucked inside.
Step 3: Shape and fill the pretzels
Preheat your oven to 425°F and get a large pot of water boiling. Divide your risen dough into 8 equal parts, rolling each out into an 11×3 inch rectangle. Spread about 1½ tablespoons of the spinach and artichoke dip lengthwise along each piece. Then carefully roll up the dough from the opposite side to fully enclose the filling, pinching the edges closed. Gently roll each log to form an even cylinder. Now, for the classic pretzel shape: cross the right side over the left twice, then bring up the ends and pinch them down onto your work surface — it’s like tying a knot that keeps the filling perfectly sealed.
Step 4: Boil, bake, and finish
For that golden, chewy crust, slowly add baking soda to your boiling water to create a bath for the pretzels. Boil two pretzels at a time for about 30 seconds each, gently spooning water over the tops to get that signature sheen. Use a slotted spatula to lift them out and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush generously with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, then bake for 15-18 minutes until beautifully golden. Let them cool just a bit before digging in — the cheese inside will be bubbling, and it’s worth the short wait!
Pro Tips for Making Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Drain Your Spinach Well: I learned this the hard way—excess water can make your filling runny and dough soggy.
- Roll Dough Gently: Be delicate when rolling the filled logs so you don’t break the dough and lose that precious filling.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: It’s essential for the authentic pretzel crust and flavor; just add it slowly to avoid foaming over.
- Brush with Egg Wash Evenly: This gives your pretzels that beautiful golden color and helps the salt stick perfectly.
How to Serve Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with extra flaky sea salt right out of the oven, which adds a satisfying crunch and bursts of saltiness. Sometimes I sprinkle on a little extra parmesan or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. It’s these little touches that make each pretzel feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
These stuffed pretzels are substantial enough to be a snack or meal on their own, but I love pairing them with a light side salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato soup for dipping. When hosting, a chilled beer or crisp sparkling water also perfectly complements the warm, cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these pretzels on large wooden boards with ramekins of ranch, mustard, or extra spinach artichoke dip for dunking. Kids love them dipped in ketchup, so I keep that option handy at family get-togethers. You can even slice them into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized appetizers—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover pretzels tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last well for up to 3 days, making morning or afternoon snacks super easy when reheated.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these pretzels fully baked and cooled — just wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When I want one, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it up, and honestly, it tastes just like fresh.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This brings back that lovely crisp exterior while gently melting the filling inside again—much better than the microwave, which can make the pretzel tough and chewy.
FAQs
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Can I make the dough without beer?
Yes, you can substitute the wheat beer with an equal amount of water or non-alcoholic beer if preferred. Keep in mind that the beer adds a subtle maltiness and helps with the dough’s texture, so using water will make the pretzels a bit milder in flavor.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly around the filling and pinch the seams firmly closed before shaping your pretzel. Rolling gently into a cylinder after pinching helps seal the filling inside. Avoid overfilling to minimize the risk of leaks during baking.
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, cook it down lightly in a pan until wilted and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is important to keep your pretzel dough from getting soggy.
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What’s the best way to shape pretzels if I’m a newbie?
If shaping traditional pretzels feels tricky, start with the rolled cylinder shape stuffed with spinach and artichoke dip — they’re delicious even without the classic knot. Practice makes perfect, and you’ll get the hang of the twist faster than you think!
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Can I make these pretzels dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese alternatives for the filling and swap butter with a plant-based oil or margarine. This recipe is adaptable—just be sure to check your yeast and other ingredients for hidden dairy.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe turns out every single time — soft, chewy, cheesy, and packed with that irresistible flavor combo. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want to impress without stress, and my family always asks for seconds. Seriously, if you’re up for a fun kitchen project that yields a crowd-pleasing snack or meal, give this recipe a try. You’ll enjoy every bite, and I bet it will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation, too.
PrintSpinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 giant pretzels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Soft Pretzels combine the comforting, doughy goodness of homemade beer pretzels with a rich and creamy spinach-artichoke dip filling. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, these giant pretzels are baked to golden perfection and filled with a cheesy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, and marinated artichokes, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Soft Beer Pretzels
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup wheat beer, at room temperature
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- 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
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess water
- 1 (6.7 ounce) jar marinated artichokes, chopped
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine the warm water, light 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 and activated, indicating the yeast is ready.
- Make the dough: Add the wheat beer at room temperature, melted butter, sea salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Then increase mixer speed to medium and knead for 3 to 4 minutes or until the dough is smooth and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough feels too sticky, add additional flour one tablespoon at a time as needed. Remove dough, knead by hand into a ball, then lightly oil a large bowl and coat the dough with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm location to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach and chopped marinated artichokes until well combined to form the dip filling.
- Preheat the oven and prepare boiling water: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pretzel boiling step.
- Shape the pretzels and add filling: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal balls. Roll each ball into a rectangle approximately 11 by 3 inches. Spread about 1½ tablespoons of the spinach and artichoke filling along the length of each rectangle. Starting with the opposite lengthwise edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, fully enclosing the filling. Pinch the seams to seal, then gently roll the log evenly to secure the filling inside.
- Form pretzel shape and boil: To shape each log into a pretzel, cross the right end over to the left, then cross right to left again and fold upwards. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve. Boil the pretzels two at a time for 30 seconds, occasionally spooning the hot water over the tops to hydrate them. Remove with a slotted spatula or spider.
- Bake the pretzels: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange 4 pretzels per sheet. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash and generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy. For reheating, warm pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use room temperature beer to prevent killing the yeast when mixing the dough.
- Thaw and squeeze spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy.
- Adjust salt on the filling and pretzels as needed to taste.
- Boiling pretzels in baking soda water is essential to achieve the classic pretzel crust texture and color.
- These pretzels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated as suggested.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg