Irresistible Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s both soft and satisfyingly cheesy, then these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are going to be your new obsession. This recipe transforms the classic pretzel into a warm, gooey treat by packing melty mozzarella right inside the dough. Whether you need a snack for game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, these pretzels deliver buttery crusts, tender bites, and stretchy cheese that pulls apart with every little twist. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels at home, using simple ingredients and easy steps that guarantee delicious results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Gooey: The mozzarella filling melts perfectly, creating an irresistible cheesy core that oozes with every bite.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The pretzel dough is tender on the inside with that signature soft pretzel chewiness on the outside.
• Perfect Snack Size: These pretzels are handheld and easy to eat, making them an ideal snack for any occasion.
• Easy Homemade Version: No need to buy expensive snacks; you can make them fresh and customize flavors right in your kitchen.
• Fun and Impressive: Great for serving guests or kids who’ll love the cheesy surprise inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels is surprisingly simple, and the ingredients are pantry-friendly yet essential to getting the authentic taste and texture. Each one plays a role in balancing the dough’s softness, golden crust, and, of course, that gorgeous cheesy center.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, giving structure to hold the cheese filling.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating a soft and airy texture.
• Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Salt: Needed both in the dough and sprinkled on top for flavor depth.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and forms the dough consistency.
• Baking soda: Used in the boiling step to give pretzels their classic chewy crust and rich color.
• Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show; shredded or cut into sticks for easy stuffing.
• Butter: Brushed on after baking for a glossy finish and rich taste.

Variations for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

One of the best parts about this Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily customize it to suit different flavors or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make this classic your own!

• Add herbs and spices: Mix rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika into the dough for a flavor twist.
• Use different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or a cheese blend to change the cheesy filling.
• Make them vegan: Use plant-based cheese and butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly snack.
• Add toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt for extra crunch and taste.
• Stuff with extras: Include pepperoni, cooked bacon bits, or sautéed onions alongside mozzarella for savory surprises.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast, then let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in the flour and salt to form a smooth dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until the dough is elastic and slightly sticky. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Divide and Roll

Punch the risen dough down and split it into equal portions, depending on your preferred pretzel size. Roll each portion into a rope shape and cut the mozzarella sticks, placing one inside each dough rope. Carefully pinch the dough around the cheese to seal it completely.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzels

Take each stuffed dough rope and shape it into a traditional pretzel form by forming a U shape, crossing the ends over, and pressing them to the base.

Step 4: Baking Soda Bath

Bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel in the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown.

Step 6: Final Touch

Once out of the oven, brush again with melted butter to keep them soft and shiny. Let cool slightly, then enjoy warm and melty.

Pro Tips for Making Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

• Seal well: Make sure the dough completely encases the mozzarella to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• Use cold mozzarella: Using cold cheese sticks makes stuffing easier without the cheese melting prematurely.
• Don’t skip the boiling step: The baking soda bath is essential for that pretzel’s signature chewy crust and golden color.
• Knead dough thoroughly: Proper kneading helps develop gluten, giving the pretzels that soft yet chewy texture.
• Brush with butter while hot: This keeps the crust tender and adds a delicious buttery flavor.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

Sprinkle some flaky sea salt, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, or a pinch of chili flakes on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Serve these pretzels with dipping sauces such as spicy mustard, marinara, garlic aioli, or a creamy ranch dip to complement the cheesy center perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the pretzels on a wooden board with small bowls of various dips for a shareable snack platter, or slice them into bites for party appetizers alongside charcuterie items.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked shaped pretzels on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture and melted cheese without making them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack work well and add unique flavors, but mozzarella remains the classic choice for its meltiness and mild taste.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure you seal the dough tightly around the cheese and avoid overfilling each pretzel. Chilling the stuffed dough before boiling can also help reduce leakage.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast doughs, but gluten-free pretzels usually have a different texture, so results may vary.

Can I prepare the dough the day before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceed with the recipe for best results.

What’s the secret to getting that shiny pretzel crust?

The boiling bath with baking soda is key to creating that classic shiny and chewy pretzel crust, so don’t skip this important step!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try making Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels yourself, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again. The combination of warm, soft dough and stretchy mozzarella filling is nothing short of magical—and with this easy recipe, you can whip them up anytime the cheesy snack craving hits. Give it a go, share with friends, and watch these homemade delights disappear in no time!

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