Maryland Chesapeake Bay Soft Pretzels on the Grill

Introduction

These Chesapeake Bay Soft Pretzels are stuffed with Maryland-style crab dip and finished on the grill for a golden, crispy crust. Using the Arteflame grill, these pretzels develop a perfect sear while the creamy crab filling stays rich and gooey inside. The result? An irresistible grilled treat packed with authentic Chesapeake Bay flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 soft pretzel dough portions
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until it's ready for cooking.

Step 2: Make the crab dip filling

1. In a bowl, mix crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff and shape the pretzels

1. Roll out each dough portion into a long strip.
2. Spread the crab dip mixture along the center.
3. Carefully seal the dough around the filling and twist into a pretzel shape.
4. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg.

Step 4: Grill the pretzels

1. Melt butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Place the stuffed pretzels on the griddle near the center where it's hottest.
3. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Move pretzels to a cooler part of the cooktop to finish cooking until fully set.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt.
2. Serve warm with extra crab dip or a side of mustard.

Tips

• Using butter instead of oil enhances flavor.
• Adjust pretzel dough thickness to prevent overfilling.
• Cook towards the center of the cooktop for a crispier texture, then move outward to finish cooking.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Variations

1. Spicy Crab Pretzels: Add 1 tsp of hot sauce and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the crab dip for an extra kick.
2. Cheesy Bacon Pretzels: Mix in 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
3. Garlic Herb Pretzels: Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1 tbsp chopped parsley to the dough before twisting.
4. BBQ Crab-Stuffed Pretzels: Drizzle grilled pretzels with BBQ sauce before serving.
5. Three-Cheese Crab Pretzels: Combine cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella in the filling for extra creaminess.

Best Pairings

• Cold craft beer, such as a pilsner or lager
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• A simple green salad with lemon dressing
• Old Bay-seasoned French fries

Conclusion

Grilling these Chesapeake Bay Soft Pretzels on the Arteflame infuses them with a smoky, golden crust while keeping the crab filling rich and flavorful. Perfect for any gathering, these pretzels will impress guests with their irresistible crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy Maryland-style crab center.