Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe: Homemade Bliss

Soft, warm pretzels with gooey mozzarella stuffed inside will make your taste buds dance with delight.

These cheesy pretzels promise a carnival of flavor in every single bite.

Golden brown exteriors give way to melted cheese that stretches luxuriously when pulled apart.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create something magical.

The combination of soft pretzel dough and rich mozzarella creates a snack that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each pretzel delivers a perfect balance of salt, dough, and cheese that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a seriously irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Crave Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

  • Craft Gourmet Comfort: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy pretzel experience that impresses friends and family with minimal culinary skills.
  • Quick Flavor Adventure: Blend classic pretzel technique with cheese-stuffing magic, creating an exciting twist on traditional bread that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests crave something more exciting than standard appetizers, these pretzels guarantee smiles and empty plates.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different cheese combinations or adding herbs, making it a versatile dish that suits multiple palates and preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

Main Ingredients:

Dough Base:
  • Water: Essential liquid for activating yeast and forming pretzel dough.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Key ingredient for making dough rise and develop flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides food for yeast to activate and helps with browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the pretzel dough.
  • Flour: Primary structural ingredient for creating pretzel texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop soft dough texture.
  • Rosemary: Provides aromatic herb flavor to the dough.
Cheese Filling:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates soft, melty center in pretzels.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of sharp, salty flavor to cheese mixture.
Boiling and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Water: Used for boiling pretzels to create traditional chewy exterior.
  • Baking Soda: Helps create classic pretzel dark brown color and crispy crust.
Egg Wash:
  • Egg: Provides golden brown shine and helps seasonings stick to pretzel surface.

How To Make Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare Yeast Mixture

In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt.

Let sit until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.

Step 2: Create Pretzel Dough

Add rosemary, flour, and softened butter to the yeast mixture.

Knead on medium speed for about 12 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, soft, and pliable.

Step 3: Allow Dough to Rise

Cover the dough with a warm, damp cloth and place it in a cozy spot.

Let rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Filling

Mix shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.

Place the mixture in the freezer to firm up while prepping the pretzels.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Baking Area

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal.

Step 6: Create Boiling Solution

Fill a large pot with water and baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil to prepare for boiling the pretzels.

Step 7: Shape Pretzel Dough

Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 16-inch rope, then flatten to about 4 inches wide.

Step 8: Add Cheese Filling

Remove cheese from freezer. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture along each flattened dough rope.

Step 9: Roll and Shape Pretzels

Roll the dough tightly to seal in the cheese. Form each rope into a U shape, cross the ends, and pinch them to the bottom.

Step 10: Boil Pretzels

Lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 11: Finish and Bake

Brush pretzels with egg wash. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and puffy.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Let pretzels rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, soft treat.

Tips For Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

  • Chilling the mozzarella and parmesan mixture helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly during the rolling and baking process.
  • Spend the full 12 minutes kneading to develop gluten, ensuring a soft, stretchy pretzel texture with excellent structure.
  • The brief 30-second boil in baking soda water creates that classic pretzel shine and gives the exterior a distinctive golden-brown crust.
  • Let dough rise in a warm spot to help yeast activate properly, which guarantees a fluffy and well-risen pretzel base.
  • Pinch pretzel edges tightly when rolling to prevent cheese from leaking during boiling and baking, maintaining a clean, professional appearance.

Tasty Twists On Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

  • Gluten-Free Herbal Pretzel: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap mozzarella and parmesan with dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast-based filling.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and swap rosemary with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Pretzel: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese filling and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.

Serving Ideas For Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these cheesy pretzels on a rustic wooden board with small dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or honey mustard for stunning visual appeal.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve warm as an appetizer during sports events, cutting each pretzel into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing among friends and family.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these pretzels in a cooler for outdoor adventures, pairing them with fresh crisp vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal experience.
  • Breakfast Twist Delight: Enjoy these pretzels alongside scrambled eggs or as a weekend brunch item, complemented by fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee.

Storing Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels The Right Way

  • Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigeration helps maintain freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
  • Place pretzels in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pretzels from storage and unwrap. Place on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes. Spritz with water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Crisp the exterior for a fresh-baked texture.
  • Wrap pretzel in a damp paper towel.

FAQs

  • Why freeze the cheese before stuffing the pretzels?

Freezing the cheese prevents it from melting too quickly during the baking process, helping it stay inside the pretzel and maintain its shape.

  • What does boiling the pretzels do before baking?

Boiling creates a chewy, glossy exterior and helps develop the classic pretzel texture by gelatinizing the starches on the surface, which gives the pretzels their signature brown and shiny crust.

  • Can I use different herbs instead of rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute rosemary with other herbs like thyme or oregano, or use dried herbs to add extra flavor to the pretzel dough.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels blend German bakery traditions with cheesy Italian indulgence. Warm, golden twists ooze melted cheese, inviting friends and family to savor each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110115 degrees Fahrenheit / 4346 degrees Celsius)
  • 1 package rapid rise yeast
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (very soft)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)

Cheese and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Topping and Preparation Ingredients:

  • 10 cups water
  • 3/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, dissolve yeast, sugar, and salt in warm water. Allow mixture to activate and become frothy for 10 minutes.
  2. Incorporate rosemary, flour, and butter into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough using the dough hook attachment for 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Transfer dough to a warm location, covering with a damp cloth. Let it rise until volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
  4. Prepare cheese filling by mixing mozzarella and parmesan. Freeze the cheese mixture to maintain firmness.
  5. Heat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Create boiling solution by combining water and baking soda in a large pot.
  7. Divide dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into 16-inch long ropes.
  8. Flatten each rope to 4 inches wide, creating a broader surface.
  9. Extract frozen cheese and distribute 2 tablespoons evenly along each dough rope.
  10. Carefully roll dough back into rope shape, sealing cheese inside by pinching edges together.
  11. Form each rope into a U-shape, then cross ends and attach to the bottom of the pretzel.
  12. Carefully lower pretzels into boiling water solution, cooking each for 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain.
  13. Arrange boiled pretzels on prepared baking sheets and brush with egg wash.
  14. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  15. Allow pretzels to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before handling to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Chill the cheese mixture before stuffing to prevent melting and ensure clean, contained filling during baking.
  • Work quickly when rolling and shaping to maintain dough’s elasticity and prevent drying out.
  • Pinch pretzel seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during boiling and baking process.
  • Use a kitchen scale for precise dough division to ensure uniform pretzel sizes and consistent cooking.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star