Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

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Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a deliciously indulgent snack that combines the chewy, salty goodness of a classic soft pretzel with the gooey, melty cheese center that makes every bite irresistible. These pretzels are made by wrapping soft, doughy pretzel dough around a generous piece of mozzarella cheese, then baking them to golden perfection. Once baked, the result is a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, cheesy interior that’s perfect for dipping in mustard, marinara sauce, or even a spicy cheese sauce.

I first made these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels when I was craving a fun, cheesy snack that would be perfect for a game night. The combination of the warm, salty pretzel dough with the rich, stretchy mozzarella was a total game-changer. What I love most about these pretzels is how versatile they are—you can experiment with different fillings like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses for added flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a treat to enjoy with a cold drink, these pretzels are always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Game nights
• Movie marathons
• Casual parties
• Cheese lovers
• Family-friendly snacking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels will be your go-to snack:

• Cheesy Surprise: Every bite reveals a molten mozzarella center.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly baked to achieve a delightful chewiness.
• Golden Perfection: A crisp, golden-brown crust makes them visually irresistible.
• Fun to Make: A hands-on recipe that’s enjoyable for both kids and adults.
• Customizable Fillings: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead of time and reheat when needed.
• Versatile Dips: Pair with marinara, cheese sauce, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together for an impressive snack.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Ideal for serving at casual events or as a unique hors d’oeuvre.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Proofing Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

the Filling:

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 6 cups water

For Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Marinara sauce
• Cheese dip
• Honey mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add warm water and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Shape the Pretzels:

5. Divide Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
6. Wrap Cheese Sticks: Flatten each portion of dough, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges tightly.
7. Shape Pretzels: Roll the filled dough into a rope and form a traditional pretzel shape.

Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

8. Boil Water: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and stir in baking soda.
9. Dip Pretzels: One at a time, carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Pretzels:

10. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve:

12. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels:

• With Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing reminiscent of mozzarella sticks.
• With Spicy Cheese Dip: Add some heat for an extra kick.
• As a Snack Platter: Serve alongside other finger foods for variety.
• For Game Day: Perfect for munching while watching the big game.
• With Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic-infused butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• As a Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with multiple dips for a crowd.
• With Soup: Pair with tomato soup for a comforting meal.
• As a Midnight Snack: Satisfy late-night cravings with this cheesy treat.
• With Sweet Mustard: Balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• As a Kids’ Favorite: Serve with ketchup or ranch for picky eaters.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Mozzarella – Opt for fresh mozzarella, which melts beautifully and creates a gooey, stretchy filling.
• Chill the Filling – To prevent the mozzarella from oozing out during baking, chill the cheese filling before wrapping it in dough.
• Tighten the Dough – Ensure the dough is securely sealed around the mozzarella, pinching the edges tightly so the cheese doesn’t leak out.
• Brush with Butter – After baking, brush the pretzels with melted butter for a golden finish and added flavor.
• Season with Salt – Don’t skip the coarse sea salt! It enhances the flavor and gives a delightful crunch.
• Try Flavored Dough – Add garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs to the dough for extra flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• Add a Dip – Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for a fun and tasty dip pairing.
• Perfecting the Baking Soda Bath – Make sure the baking soda solution is at a rolling boil when dipping the dough, as this helps develop the pretzel’s signature golden-brown crust.
• Experiment with Other Fillings – While mozzarella is classic, you can add other ingredients like pepperoni or spinach for a twist on the traditional stuffed pretzel.
• Rest the Dough – Allow the dough to rest and rise fully to achieve a soft, fluffy texture in your pretzels.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Pretzels: Add diced jalapeños to the dough or filling for a spicy twist.
• Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the egg wash before baking.
• Sweet Pretzels: Swap coarse salt for cinnamon sugar for a dessert version.
• Pizza Pretzels: Add pepperoni slices alongside the mozzarella for a pizza-inspired snack.
• Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace cheese with vegan mozzarella and use plant-based butter.
• Garlic Herb Pretzels: Mix minced garlic and dried herbs into the dough for added flavor.
• Stuffed with Meat: Add slices of ham or turkey for a protein-packed snack.
• Double Cheese Pretzels: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor.
• Bite-Sized Pretzel Bites: Shape smaller portions of dough into balls for easy snacking.

Special Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining and kneading the dough.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the pretzels evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Slotted Spoon: For removing pretzels from the baking soda bath.
• Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash.
• Cooling Rack: To cool pretzels without sogginess.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use pre-made dough?
   Yes, store-bought pizza dough works as a quick alternative.
2. Can I freeze these pretzels?
   Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking and reheat as needed.
3. How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
   Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and avoid overfilling.
4. Can I skip the baking soda bath?
   No, the bath is essential for achieving the classic pretzel texture and flavor.
5. What other cheeses work well?
   Cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda are great alternatives.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free flour and adjust the water as needed.
7. What if I don’t have coarse salt?
   Use flaked sea salt or regular table salt in a pinch.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
9. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
   Yes, but proof the yeast in warm water and sugar before mixing it into the dough.
10. Can I add herbs or spices?
    Absolutely! Mix dried herbs or spices like paprika or garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delicious twist on the classic soft pretzel, filled with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese inside. The dough is soft, fluffy, and perfectly salted on the outside, while the interior is a cheesy, savory surprise. The mozzarella adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly crisp pretzel exterior. These pretzels can be served as an appetizer, snack, or a fun party treat, and they’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even ranch dressing.

To make them, the pretzel dough is rolled into small balls, stuffed with mozzarella, and twisted into a traditional pretzel shape. Once baked to golden-brown perfection, the pretzels can be brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with salt to enhance the flavor. These mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or a fun, indulgent snack for any occasion. You can customize them by adding seasoning to the dough (like garlic powder or Italian herbs) for extra flavor.

I can’t wait to see how your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, golden creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!