Introduction

These mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels are a delightful treat combining a golden, chewy exterior with a gooey, cheesy center. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they bring the comforting flavors of warm bread and melted cheese together in every bite.

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe - Recipe Image

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)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: Add the flour, 1/4 cup melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
Step 7: Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, fold the dough over, and seal the edges to form a ball.
Step 8: Drop each stuffed dough ball into the boiling water mixture for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 9: Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 10: Remove pretzels from the oven and brush with the remaining melted butter. Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture inside the pretzels.
Try adding garlic powder or herbs to the melted butter before brushing for extra flavor.
For a spicy twist, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the coarse salt.
Make smaller pretzel bites for parties by cutting the dough and cheese into smaller pieces.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain their soft texture and gooey cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack work well, but mozzarella gives the best gooey melt. Firmer cheeses may not melt as smoothly.

Do I have to boil the pretzels before baking?

Yes, boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution helps create their characteristic chewy crust and golden color during baking.

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

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Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delicious homemade treat featuring a soft, golden-brown dough filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Boiled briefly in a baking soda water bath for that classic pretzel texture, then baked to perfection and brushed with melted butter, these pretzels are perfect for snacking or serving with marinara sauce as a cheesy appetizer.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 16 stuffed soft pretzels 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Yeast Mixture

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

Baking and Finishing

1/2 cup baking soda
10 cups water
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Filling and Serving

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 equal pieces
Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Make the Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Prepare Baking Soda Water: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil. This will be used to give the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
Shape and Stuff the Dough: Divide the risen dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle, place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the dough over and seal the edges to form a ball.
Boil the Pretzels: Carefully drop each stuffed dough ball into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
Bake: Place the boiled pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining melted butter. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Make sure the water temperature for activating yeast is between 110°F to 115°F to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading properly is key to developing the gluten, giving the pretzels their chewy texture.
Boiling the dough in baking soda water is essential to form the distinctive pretzel crust and flavor.
Seal the dough edges tightly around the mozzarella to prevent cheese from leaking out during boiling and baking.
Use coarse sea salt for topping to enhance flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
Serve pretzels warm for the best gooey cheese experience.

Keywords: soft pretzels, mozzarella stuffed pretzels, cheesy pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, baked pretzels, appetizer