Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

If you’re a fan of buttery soft pretzels and can’t resist melty mozzarella cheese, these mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels are your dream come true. Each bite delivers warm, gooey cheese encased in a golden, soft, chewy crust. Fresh rosemary and grated Parmesan elevate these to gourmet status, making them perfect for parties, game day, or simply treating yourself.

Ingredients (with measurements)

For the Pretzel Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling and Topping:
• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 6 cups water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour gradually to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda carefully.
7. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing tightly.
8. Carefully dip each stuffed pretzel into the baking soda water for 20–30 seconds, then place on the baking sheet.
9. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg, sprinkle with Parmesan, chopped rosemary, and sea salt.
10. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese begins to bubble.
11. Let cool slightly before serving warm and cheesy

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:
• Serve mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels warm for the best flavor and gooey cheese pull.
• Pair them with dipping sauces like marinara, garlic butter, spicy mustard, or ranch.
• Garnish with extra rosemary or Parmesan right out of the oven for added aroma and taste.
• They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish for soups and salads.

Storage Tips:
• Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the dough rubbery and the cheese too runny.
• Freeze baked pretzels by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat frozen pretzels directly in the oven at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until hot and golden.

Variations

Spicy Jalapeño Mozzarella Pretzels
Add finely diced pickled or fresh jalapeños along with the mozzarella for a spicy twist. The heat pairs beautifully with the melty cheese and savory dough. You can also mix jalapeños into the dough for extra spice throughout.

Pizza-Stuffed Pretzels
Add a few slices of mini pepperoni or a spoonful of thick marinara sauce with the mozzarella before sealing the dough. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and extra Parmesan on top before baking for a pizza-inspired flavor bomb.

Garlic Butter and Herb Pretzels
Brush the pretzels with garlic-infused melted butter before and after baking. Top with chopped parsley and rosemary for an herby, aromatic finish that enhances the richness of the cheese.

Four-Cheese Pretzels
Mix mozzarella with small amounts of shredded provolone, cheddar, and fontina for a four-cheese blend that oozes with complex, creamy flavor. This works especially well if you want a gourmet twist.

Buffalo Chicken Pretzels
Stuff the dough with a mix of shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and mozzarella. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Spinach and Cheese Pretzels
Sauté spinach, drain it well, and mix with mozzarella and a little garlic. This combination adds nutrients and a savory green flavor that pairs well with the soft pretzel texture.

Everything Bagel Pretzels
Instead of rosemary and Parmesan, top the pretzels with everything bagel seasoning. The sesame, garlic, onion, and poppy seed mix creates a bagel-style flavor that contrasts nicely with the cheesy center.

Ham and Cheese Pretzels
Add finely diced cooked ham with the mozzarella to create a classic deli combo. It turns these snacks into a mini handheld sandwich with a gooey core.

Sweet Cream Cheese-Filled Pretzels
For a dessert version, swap mozzarella for sweetened cream cheese. After baking, drizzle with icing or dip in cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Pretzels
Chop sun-dried tomatoes and mix them with mozzarella before stuffing. This Mediterranean variation brings a bold, tangy twist to the pretzel’s warm, chewy bite.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

2. What’s the best way to seal the pretzels so the cheese doesn’t leak out?
Pinch the dough edges together firmly and smooth out any seams. Make sure no holes are left where cheese can escape.

3. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works as a time-saving alternative, though homemade dough provides better flavor and texture.

4. Is it necessary to boil the pretzels in baking soda water?
Yes, this step is essential for achieving the traditional chewy texture and a golden brown crust.

5. What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Low-moisture mozzarella sticks or cubes work best because they melt well without making the dough soggy.

6. How do I reheat leftover pretzels?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness and melt the cheese.

7. Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, allow them to cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

8. What dipping sauces go best with these pretzels?
Marinara sauce, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or spicy mustard are all excellent choices.

9. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free.

10. Why did my pretzels come out pale or soft?
This could be due to underbaking or skipping the baking soda bath. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and that each pretzel is boiled properly before baking.

Mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels combine everything you love about warm bread and gooey cheese in one irresistible snack. With their soft texture, savory rosemary aroma, and cheesy core, they’re guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy treat, this recipe is a delicious twist on classic soft pretzels that everyone will remember.

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