Description
Soft, cheesy, and irresistible Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels combine the classic chewiness of fresh pretzels with a gooey mozzarella cheese center. Perfect as a homemade snack or party treat, these pretzels offer a warm, savory bite with a shiny golden crust and buttery finish, making them enjoyable for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Filling
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into preferred size)
Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed pretzels, soft pretzels, cheesy pretzels, homemade pretzels, party snacks, savory snacks