Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe! These soft and chewy pretzels are filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delightful snack or appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy treat, these homemade pretzels are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 equal pieces
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle and place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and seal the edges.
- Cook the Pretzels: Drop each stuffed dough ball into the boiling water mixture and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and serve warm. Pair with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Warm: These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the pretzels are at their freshest.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for added flavor. The tanginess of marinara sauce complements the cheesy pretzels perfectly.
- Party Snack: These pretzels are a hit at parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing snack that will disappear quickly.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, allow the pretzels to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: To reheat the pretzels, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place them on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pretzels soggy.
- Freezing: These pretzels can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the pretzels ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature before boiling and baking as directed.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese to the pretzels before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Portion Control: If serving at a party, consider cutting the pretzels into smaller pieces to make them more bite-sized and easier to handle.
- Enjoy Fresh: While these pretzels can be stored, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that irresistible combination of warm, cheesy goodness and soft, chewy pretzel texture.
Variations:
- Pepperoni Pizza Pretzels: Add slices of pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough before shaping the pretzels. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels: Mix finely chopped pickled jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough. Top with additional cheese before baking for a spicy kick.
- Everything Bagel Pretzels: Sprinkle the pretzels with an “everything bagel” seasoning blend before baking, consisting of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Omit the mozzarella cheese and salt from the recipe. Instead, brush the pretzels with melted butter after baking and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
- Bacon Jalapeño Ranch Pretzels: Fold cooked and crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños into the dough. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
- Spinach and Feta Pretzels: Mix chopped cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese into the dough. Sprinkle with additional feta cheese before baking for a savory vegetarian option.
- Buffalo Chicken Pretzels: Toss shredded cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and place it on top of the mozzarella cheese before folding the dough. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce before serving.
- Garlic Parmesan Pretzels: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough. Brush the pretzels with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- S’mores Pretzels: Fill the dough with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows before shaping. After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a sweet treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Pretzels: Mix diced apples and cinnamon sugar into the dough. Serve with a caramel dipping sauce for a delicious dessert-inspired variation.
FAQs:
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount and follow the instructions accordingly.
- Can I make these pretzels without cheese for a dairy-free option?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the mozzarella cheese from the recipe, and you’ll still have delicious soft pretzels without the cheese filling.
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties. Cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese would all work well as alternatives.
- How do I know when the dough has doubled in size during the rising process?
- The dough should visibly increase in volume and feel puffy to the touch. It typically takes about 1 hour for the dough to double in size, but this can vary depending on factors like temperature and humidity.
- Can I freeze the pretzels before baking them?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled pretzels before boiling and baking them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
- What is the purpose of boiling the pretzels in water and baking soda?
- Boiling the pretzels in water and baking soda helps to give them their characteristic chewy texture and golden brown color.
- Can I make the pretzels smaller for bite-sized snacks?
- Absolutely! You can divide the dough into smaller portions to make mini pretzels. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pretzels will cook faster.
- How should I store leftover pretzels?
- Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their warmth and freshness.
- Can I reheat the pretzels in the microwave?
- While it’s possible to reheat the pretzels in the microwave, they may become slightly soggy. For best results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Are these pretzels suitable for vegetarians?
- Yes, these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are vegetarian-friendly, as they do not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients.
Elevate your snacking experience with our Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe. Whether enjoyed as a savory treat on game day or a fun snack for movie night, these cheesy pretzels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their golden-brown exterior, soft interior, and oozing melted cheese, these homemade pretzels are a delicious twist on a classic favorite that will leave everyone craving for more.