Introduction
Who doesn’t love a soft, warm pretzel? Now imagine biting into one and finding gooey, melty mozzarella cheese inside. Sounds amazing, right? Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a fun and delicious twist on the classic soft pretzel. They are soft on the outside, chewy in the middle, and filled with cheesy goodness.
These pretzels are great for snacks, parties, or even as a fun dinner treat. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—step-by-step—to make your own mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels.
Ingredients – Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make the dough, the filling, and the topping:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
For the Filling:
- Mozzarella cheese sticks or mozzarella block (cut into small chunks)
For the Pretzel Bath:
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 6 cups water
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Process – Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy. That means the yeast is alive and ready!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the bowl. Stir with a spoon or use your hands until it forms a soft dough. Add the rest of the flour little by little, until the dough is not too sticky. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until it feels smooth.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest for about 1 hour. It should double in size.
Step 4: Cut and Stuff the Dough
Once risen, punch the dough down and cut it into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12 inches). Flatten the rope with your fingers, then place a piece of mozzarella in the center.
Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal it. Shape each one into a pretzel shape (or keep them as bites if you prefer).
Step 5: Give Them a Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda (be careful—it may bubble up). Drop each pretzel into the water for about 20–30 seconds. This step helps them get that golden-brown, chewy crust.
Take them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the pretzels cool slightly, then enjoy while the cheese is still melty!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Pretzel |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260–280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Calcium | 100mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can also try cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a different flavor.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
You sure can. Make the pretzels, bake them, and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Q3: Do I have to use the baking soda bath?
Yes, if you want the classic chewy texture and golden color of pretzels. It’s an important step!
Q4: Can I freeze the pretzels?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Q5: What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try marinara sauce, ranch dressing, cheese dip, or even a garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a fun way to turn a classic snack into something extra special. They’re soft, cheesy, and super satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients—just a bit of time and love in the kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to make the softest, cheesiest pretzels ever!
