Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delightful twist on the traditional soft pretzel. The dough is soft and chewy, while the filling of melty mozzarella and Parmesan creates an irresistibly cheesy center. A touch of fresh rosemary adds an herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich cheese. Whether you’re a fan of salty snacks, cheese lovers, or just looking for a fun baking project, these pretzels will satisfy all your cravings with their perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

For the Baking Solution:

• 10 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

For Topping:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir in the warm water and melted butter until the dough begins to come together.
2. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped rosemary to make the filling.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long.
7. Place a cube of mozzarella and a small amount of the Parmesan-rosemary mixture in the center of each dough rope. Pinch the edges of the dough around the cheese to seal it.
8. Shape each stuffed dough rope into a pretzel by twisting the ends and securing them to form a loop.
9. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush each pretzel with the melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rise)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to use other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor.
• Herb Twist: Add garlic powder, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or filling for an added layer of flavor.
• Sweet Pretzels: For a sweet variation, you can use chocolate or caramel in place of cheese and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.
• Mini Pretzels: Make smaller, bite-sized versions of these pretzels, adjusting the baking time to about 8-10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked, shaped pretzels. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil them, bake as directed, and enjoy.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have baking soda for boiling the pretzels?

Baking soda gives the pretzels their signature golden-brown crust. If you don’t have baking soda, you can use a mixture of water and lye, but baking soda is the easiest and safest method.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses, depending on your preferences.

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking?

Be sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly around the cheese, ensuring no gaps. You can also try chilling the pretzels for about 10 minutes before baking to help the cheese firm up slightly.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker option, but homemade dough will give you the best flavor and texture.

How do I make these pretzels more flavorful?

You can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of smoked paprika to the dough for more flavor. You could also brush the pretzels with garlic butter after baking.

Can I bake these pretzels without boiling them first?

Boiling the pretzels before baking is key to achieving the chewy, golden crust. Skipping this step will result in a less traditional texture.

Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?

You can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

How can I make these pretzels extra crispy?

For an extra crispy texture, you can bake the pretzels a couple of minutes longer, but be careful not to overbake them. The butter glaze also helps create a golden, crispy finish.

What sauces go best with these pretzels?

These mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are delicious with marinara sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate savory snack that combines the chewy goodness of soft pretzels with the melty, cheesy surprise inside. With a simple yet flavorful dough and a decadent cheese filling, these pretzels are perfect for sharing, snacking, or serving at your next get-together. They’re fun to make, utterly delicious, and will certainly be a crowd-pleaser!

Print