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Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delightful homemade snack featuring a soft, chewy pretzel exterior with a warm, gooey mozzarella cheese center. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights, these pretzels offer a buttery crust, tender dough, and stretchy cheese that melts in every bite. Made from simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, this recipe guarantees delicious, impressive results you can enjoy fresh from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

Baking Ingredients

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Filling and Finishing

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded or cut into sticks)
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour and salt to form a smooth dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until elastic and slightly sticky. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  2. Divide and Roll: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions based on desired pretzel size. Roll each portion into a rope shape. Prepare mozzarella sticks and place one inside each rope, pinching dough tightly around the cheese to seal completely.
  3. Shape the Pretzels: Form each stuffed rope into a traditional pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends over, and pressing them to the base firmly.
  4. Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Final Touch: Brush baked pretzels again with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish. Let cool slightly before serving warm and melty.

Notes

  • Seal the dough well around the mozzarella to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
  • Use cold mozzarella sticks to make stuffing easier and prevent premature melting.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda boiling step to achieve that classic pretzel crust and color.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for soft yet chewy texture.
  • Brush with butter while hot to keep crust tender and add rich flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mozzarella, stuffed pretzels, soft pretzels, cheesy snack, homemade pretzels, appetizer, party snack