Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown pretzel only to discover a delightful surprise inside: gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels are a crowd-pleasing snack that combines the chewy goodness of classic pretzels with the indulgent joy of molten cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or even an after-school treat, these pretzels are easier to make than you might think and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The salty, buttery pretzel dough complements the creamy, rich mozzarella for a snack that’s simply out of this world.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different cheeses, toppings, or dipping sauces to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Fun and Interactive: The recipe is a great activity to try with kids or friends. Shaping the pretzels and stuffing them with cheese is both easy and enjoyable.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy movie night or a large gathering, these mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are sure to be a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Warm water
• Unsalted butter
• Mozzarella cheese sticks
• Baking soda
• Egg
• Coarse salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. While the dough is rising, cut mozzarella sticks into smaller segments if needed, ensuring they are about 2–3 inches long.
2. Set the cheese aside and prepare your workspace for assembling the pretzels.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Pretzels

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal pieces (about 8–10 depending on your preferred pretzel size).
2. Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 12–14 inches long. Flatten the rope slightly with your fingers.
3. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened dough. Fold the dough over the cheese, pinching the edges to seal it completely.
4. Shape the stuffed dough into a traditional pretzel shape by forming a U, crossing the ends, and twisting them before pressing them down onto the bottom curve.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil and carefully add baking soda.
3. Using a slotted spatula, lower each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step ensures the signature chewy texture of soft pretzels.
4. Remove the pretzels from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

1. Beat an egg to create an egg wash, and brush it over each pretzel to give them a glossy finish.
2. Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzels, or add other toppings like sesame seeds or garlic powder if desired.
3. Bake the pretzels for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap out mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Stuffing Alternatives: Add pepperoni slices along with the cheese for a pizza-inspired pretzel, or try stuffing them with spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
• Sweet Pretzels: Skip the salt and instead coat the pretzels with cinnamon sugar after baking for a dessert version. You can still stuff them with cream cheese or chocolate for added indulgence.
• Toppings: Experiment with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or grated Parmesan for unique finishes.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 pretzels

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pretzels soggy.

FAQs

What type of mozzarella works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella cheese sticks are ideal because they are pre-portioned and hold their shape during baking. However, you can also cut blocks of low-moisture mozzarella into similar-sized pieces.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why do I need the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden-brown color. Skipping this step will result in a bread-like texture instead of a true pretzel.

How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking?

Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the cheese, and avoid overfilling. Pinch the seams firmly to prevent leaks.

Can I freeze unbaked pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzels after shaping and before boiling. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Boil and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What dipping sauces pair well with these pretzels?

Classic options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a warm cheese dip. Sweet pretzels pair well with chocolate or caramel sauce.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture may be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.

Are these pretzels vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as long as your cheese and butter do not contain animal-derived enzymes.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for yeast doughs. Be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re preparing them for someone with celiac disease.

Can I make mini stuffed pretzels?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into smaller pieces and use smaller mozzarella chunks for bite-sized versions. Adjust the baking time to about 8–10 minutes.

Conclusion

Mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels bring together the best of both worlds: the warm, chewy texture of soft pretzels and the ooey-gooey goodness of melted mozzarella. With straightforward instructions and plenty of room for creativity, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, sprinkled with your favorite toppings, or paired with a dipping sauce, these pretzels are sure to disappear quickly. Try them today, and watch them become a favorite in your household!

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