Homemade Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Soft, cheesy, and irresistible, Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the perfect homemade snack or party treat that will quickly become a favorite. This recipe combines the wonderful chewiness of freshly baked pretzels with gooey mozzarella cheese hidden inside, delivering a warm, savory bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something satisfying, Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels offer a delightful experience that’s both fun to make and delicious to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft Texture: The dough is tender and chewy, creating the classic soft pretzel experience you crave.
• Gooey Cheese Surprise: Each bite melts mozzarella cheese inside, providing rich, creamy flavor throughout.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Making these pretzels is a fun activity that kids and adults can enjoy together.
• Customizable Flavor: This recipe is a fantastic base for adding herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Great for Any Occasion: These pretzels are perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in with a movie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe uses simple, staple ingredients that come together to create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a key role—from the dough’s pliability to the tasty cheese filling and the classic salty crust.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop that soft, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast for proper fermentation and gives a slight sweetness to balance the saltiness.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The star ingredient tucked inside, melting perfectly for that soft, stringy center.
• Baking Soda: Used in the boiling water bath to create the pretzel’s shiny, golden crust.
• Salt: Provides essential seasoning on top to bring out the pretzel’s flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Brushed on warm pretzels for richness and a slight sheen.

Variations for Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re looking for new flavor combinations or need a tweak for dietary reasons, these variations will inspire you to make the recipe your own.

• Herb-Infused Dough: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for aromatic flavor.
• Cheese Mix: Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for extra tang.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spicy Twist: Mix red pepper flakes inside the cheese or brush pretzels with a spicy butter glaze.
• Mini Pretzel Bites: Shape smaller portions for bite-sized snacks perfect for party platters.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, allowing it to sit until frothy—about 5 minutes. Add the flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Divide and Roll

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions based on the number of pretzels you want to make. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 12 inches long, then carefully flatten the center section to create space for the mozzarella filling.

Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella

Cut mozzarella sticks or sticks of your preferred size and place one in the center of each flattened dough rope. Fold the dough over the cheese, pinching edges tightly to seal and prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Gently twist and shape each stuffed dough piece into a traditional pretzel shape, starting with the ends and looping them to form the characteristic pretzel twist.

Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Bath

Bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a boil. Working in batches, dunk each pretzel in the boiling solution for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake and Brush with Butter

Sprinkle pretzels generously with coarse salt, then bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, brush immediately with melted butter for a rich finish and extra shine.

Pro Tips for Making Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

• Seal the Cheese Well: Pinch dough edges firmly around the mozzarella to avoid leaks during boiling and baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to effectively activate yeast without killing it.
• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: It’s essential for creating pretzels’ signature chewy crust and deep brown color.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresher cheese melts more evenly and gives better texture.
• Monitor Baking Times: Overbaking can dry out pretzels and cause cheese to harden inside.

How to Serve Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra coarse salt or crushed red pepper flakes on top for a final flavor boost. A drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of chopped parsley also adds a lovely touch and aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve with classic mustard dipping sauce, marinara, or a creamy ranch dip to complement the cheesy filling beautifully. A fresh side salad or cup of tomato soup pairs exceptionally well for a more complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange pretzels on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dips and garnishes for a festive, shareable platter. You can also thread mini pretzel bites onto skewers for fun party snacks that are easy to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Freezing

Wrap pretzels individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep the pretzels from becoming chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?

While shredded mozzarella can be used, it tends to ooze out during cooking more than sticks, so mozzarella sticks are recommended for a cleaner, cheesier center.

How long does it take to make Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels from start to finish?

Including rising time, shaping, boiling, and baking, it typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to make these pretzels from scratch.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight; just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

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

Baking soda is key to developing the pretzel crust, but if unavailable, you can try baking powder, although the results may vary and won’t be quite as authentic.

Are Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat and is perfect for vegetarians, as long as you use cheese made without animal rennet if preferred.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a snack that brings together the classic charm of soft pretzels with the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese, this Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe is it. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight yet special enough for entertaining friends and family. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of homemade pretzels that everyone will love!

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