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

Scale

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)

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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.