If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances soft, chewy bread with gooey, melted cheese, then you absolutely must try this Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe. Each delightful twist hugs melted mozzarella inside a golden, buttery exterior that’s sprinkled with just the right pinch of coarse salt. Whether you’re serving these at a party, craving a comforting treat on a chilly evening, or wanting to impress friends with a homemade snack, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create something truly spectacular. Get ready to fall in love with pretzels all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe starts with humble ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: Responsible for making the dough rise light and fluffy.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F): Ideal to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness to the dough for a tender bite.
- 8 mozzarella sticks (cut in half): The star of the show, providing ooey-gooey cheesy goodness inside every pretzel.
- 5 cups water: Used for the baking soda bath that helps form the pretzels’ iconic crust.
- ⅓ cup baking soda: Creates that signature glossy, chewy pretzel exterior.
- 1 egg (beaten): Brushed on the pretzels before baking to give them a golden shine.
- Coarse salt: Sprinkled on top for crunch and bursts of savory flavor.
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking): Keeps pretzels moist and adds a beautiful buttery finish.
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by stirring together warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is active and ready to do its work. Then add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Set your dough aside in a warm spot and cover with a damp towel for about an hour; you’ll watch it double in size and get light and airy.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Pretzels
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 10 inches long. Flatten the rope and place a half mozzarella stick at the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the cheese, sealing the edges to prevent any gooey escape during baking. This step is crucial because nothing should leak out—it’s what makes this Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe so delightfully cheesy!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
Fill a large pot with 5 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil, then carefully stir in the baking soda until it’s dissolved. Boiling baking soda water is essential—it gives the pretzels their iconic chewy crust and that perfect golden-brown color. Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for 20 to 30 seconds, making sure it’s fully submerged, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Brush each pretzel generously with beaten egg, which will create a beautiful glaze when baked. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top to add texture and flavor. Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Once out of the oven, instantly brush with melted butter for that irresistible shine and rich mouthfeel.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your freshly baked Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels warm, ideally with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. The cheese will be perfectly melty and the crust wonderfully chewy—a combination everyone will love.
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the pretzels after baking adds a fresh, vibrant note. You can also experiment with flavored salts such as garlic or smoked paprika salt to enhance their character even more.
Side Dishes
These stuffed pretzels pair beautifully with classic dipping sauces like spicy marinara or a creamy ranch. For a heartier snack or meal, complement them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe into a fun party platter by arranging pretzel bites alongside small bowls of different sauces. You might even try serving them alongside mini sliders or hearty charcuterie boards for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their soft texture, avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry out the dough.
Freezing
If you want to save pretzels for later, freeze them before baking on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag after solid. This way, you can bake fresh pretzels straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap your pretzel in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps to revive the softness and melty cheese without drying the crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the perfect pretzel texture.
FAQs
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of mozzarella sticks?
While shredded mozzarella can work, using mozzarella sticks keeps the cheese neatly contained and melts more evenly inside the pretzel for that gooey center we’re going for in this Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe.
What type of flour is best for pretzels?
All-purpose flour is ideal here because it offers the right balance of protein to create chewy, tender pretzels without being too dense.
Is the baking soda bath necessary?
Absolutely! The baking soda bath is what creates the classic chewy crust and deep golden color that defines a true pretzel. Skipping this step results in more of a bread roll texture.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes! Cheeses that melt well such as cheddar, pepper jack, or fontina work nicely, though mozzarella provides the best stretch and mild flavor beloved in this recipe.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly around the mozzarella sticks by pinching firmly and even rolling the seam under the pretzel. This stops any cheese from oozing out as they bake.
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser and an absolute delight to make at home. It’s a great way to add a little extra comfort and cheesy goodness to your snack routine. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these warm, buttery, and cheesy pretzels fresh from your oven, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again. So grab that dough, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to homemade perfection!
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Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 16 pretzels (serves 8-8.5)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delicious, cheesy twist on traditional soft pretzels. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crispy crust, each pretzel is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully during baking. Ideal for a savory snack or appetizer, these pretzels pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Filling
- 8 mozzarella sticks (cut in half, yielding 16 pieces)
Boiling Solution
- 5 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape & Fill Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 12 inches long, then flatten the rope slightly. Place a half mozzarella stick on one end and carefully wrap the dough around the cheese stick, sealing the edges fully to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Boil Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil and slowly add ⅓ cup of baking soda (be cautious as it will bubble up). Using a slotted spoon, dip each shaped pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust. Remove and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake Pretzels: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash to help achieve a shiny golden crust. Sprinkle coarse salt on top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the pretzels turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Once baked, immediately brush them with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter for added flavor and softness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve these warm mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels fresh from the oven. They are perfect on their own or with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to fully seal the dough around the mozzarella sticks to avoid cheese leakage during boiling and baking.
- The baking soda bath is essential for getting that authentic soft pretzel crust and chewy texture.
- You can prepare the dough one day ahead and refrigerate it; just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks for best melting results; shredded cheese may leak more easily.
- For a crispier crust, bake a little longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain freshness.
