Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels – A Cheesy, Pillow-Soft Delight

If you love soft, warm pretzels and gooey mozzarella, then these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are about to become your new favorite snack! These delicious treats are stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and topped with fragrant rosemary and grated Parmesan, giving each bite an irresistible combination of flavors. With a golden, soft exterior and a cheesy center, these pretzels are perfect for a cozy night in, a fun appetizer, or a delicious side for your favorite meal.

Making soft pretzels from scratch might seem like a challenge, but this recipe proves it’s totally doable. The dough is easy to work with, and the mozzarella filling adds a layer of flavor that turns each pretzel into something extraordinary. Plus, using a baking soda bath ensures the classic pretzel texture and golden-brown color. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these mozzarella-stuffed delights are a fun project that results in mouthwatering treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheese Lovers’ Dream

Each pretzel is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, which melts perfectly and adds incredible flavor to every bite.

2. Pillowy Soft Texture

The soft pretzel dough is light, fluffy, and slightly chewy, creating the perfect contrast with the melty cheese filling inside.

3. Simple, Easy-to-Follow Steps

While making soft pretzels may sound intimidating, this recipe breaks it down into simple steps, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers.

4. Homemade Freshness

These pretzels taste so much better than store-bought! The homemade dough, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant rosemary elevate this recipe into something special.

5. Customizable Flavors

You can tweak the filling with other ingredients like garlic, spinach, or even a bit of sausage, creating your own variation of the perfect stuffed pretzel.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Sugar
• Salt

For the Mozzarella Filling:

• Fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
• Fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• Water
• Baking soda

For the Topping:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh rosemary leaves (for garnish)

Variations

• Spinach and Mozzarella Pretzels: Add a few handfuls of cooked spinach to the mozzarella filling for a veggie twist.
• Garlic Pretzels: Sprinkle garlic powder or minced fresh garlic into the dough or filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Meat Lovers’ Pretzels: Add a bit of cooked sausage or pepperoni into the mozzarella filling for a heartier snack.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. Add the salt and gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Mozzarella Filling

While the dough is rising, combine the fresh mozzarella cubes, chopped rosemary, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18-20 inches in length. Place a spoonful of the mozzarella mixture in the center of each rope, then pinch the ends of the dough around the filling to seal it. Twist the dough into the classic pretzel shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the water and stir until dissolved. One at a time, carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake the Pretzels

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7: Add the Toppings

Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary leaves.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pretzels to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best melty mozzarella experience!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl of dough in an oven with the light on to help it rise.
• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step helps give the pretzels their signature golden color and chewy texture.
• Seal the Pretzels Well: Be sure to seal the dough tightly around the cheese filling to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, which can lead to a greasy texture.

How to Serve

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce. Consider pairing them with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for an extra indulgent treat. They’re perfect for game day, as a snack, or even as a fun addition to a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, crispy texture.

Freezing:

To freeze, bake the pretzels and allow them to cool completely. Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake frozen pretzels at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Reheating:

For the best texture, reheat the pretzels in the oven or toaster oven. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella melts much better and gives the best texture, but you can use pre-shredded mozzarella in a pinch.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

3. Can I make these pretzels without the mozzarella filling?

Yes! You can make traditional soft pretzels without the filling, or substitute with another cheese or filling of your choice.

4. How do I get the pretzels to be crispy?

The baking soda bath helps create a crispy exterior. Also, make sure to bake the pretzels at a high temperature for the best results.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

You can try using gluten-free flour for the dough, but the texture might vary slightly.

6. Can I add other herbs to the pretzels?

Yes! You can experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or even basil in the dough or the filling.

7. Can I make smaller pretzels?

Yes! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.

8. What can I use if I don’t have rosemary?

You can substitute rosemary with thyme, basil, or even garlic for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I bake these pretzels without boiling them in the baking soda bath?

While you can skip this step, the pretzels will lose the characteristic chewy texture and golden color that the bath provides.

10. How long should I bake the pretzels?

Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and soft, pillowy dough. These homemade treats are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and can be customized with your favorite fillings and seasonings. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible, cheesy pretzels today?

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