Have you ever dreamed of biting into a warm, soft, golden pretzel, only to discover a gooey, cheesy surprise in the center? If not, then prepare to be amazed, my friend! These Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels are the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner idea. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with the combination of soft, salty dough and melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery!
Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Love garlic butter? Drizzle it over the pretzels after baking. Prefer a little spice? Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe is your blank canvas!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels irresistible:
Pretzel Dough: The base of the pretzel. Soft, chewy, and slightly salty, it gives the perfect contrast to the gooey cheese inside.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the stuffing. When melted, mozzarella becomes irresistibly gooey and stretchy—perfect for pretzel stuffing!
Baking Soda: This creates the classic golden-brown color and helps give the pretzels that authentic texture.
Butter: A brush of melted butter on top takes these pretzels to the next level. It adds richness and gives them a golden finish.
Sea Salt: To sprinkle over the top. The perfect amount of salty goodness that complements the soft dough.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this warm, cheesy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pretzels bake to that perfect golden-brown hue.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together your flour, yeast, and salt. Slowly add in warm water and stir until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This will be the perfect base for your pretzels.
Stuff with Cheese: Roll out a small portion of dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center and pinch the edges together to seal the cheese inside. Repeat with the rest of the dough and cheese.
Boil the Pretzels: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Gently drop each stuffed dough ball into the water for about 30 seconds to give them that classic pretzel texture. Be careful not to crowd them—work in batches if needed.
Bake to Perfection: Place the boiled pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is deliciously melted inside.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. The cheese will be hot, so be patient. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Pair with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. These Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Fresh Salads: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pretzels.
Garlic Butter: Dip the pretzels in melted garlic butter for an extra indulgent touch.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, are a great contrast to the richness of the pretzels.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of your pretzels:
Prep Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just stuff, boil, and bake.
Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding garlic powder to the dough or sprinkling the pretzels with herbs like rosemary.
Storage Tips: These pretzels are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with another type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese that melts well. It will change the flavor, but still delicious!
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring them back to life.
Q4: Can I freeze these pretzels?
A4: Yes! Freeze the pretzels before baking. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Q5: Can I make these with whole wheat flour?
A5: Yes! Whole wheat flour will give the pretzels a denser texture but still a delicious flavor.
Q6: How do I make these more savory?
A6: Add some herbs or garlic powder to the dough or top with Parmesan cheese before baking. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the butter.
Q7: Can I make these without boiling them?
A7: Boiling the pretzels is essential for that chewy, authentic pretzel texture. Skipping this step will result in a different texture.
Q8: Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
A8: Yes! A stand mixer with a dough hook works wonderfully for this recipe. Just mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Q9: How do I reheat the pretzels?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help keep the pretzels soft and warm.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Double the dough and cheese, and make a bigger batch. These pretzels will disappear fast!
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels are more than just a snack—they’re a fun, cheesy treat that will have everyone coming back for more. With gooey mozzarella tucked inside a warm, soft pretzel dough, it’s the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy night in, you’ll be serving up something irresistible. Happy baking!
Print
Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy pretzels stuffed with gooey mozzarella, topped with fragrant rosemary and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let Dough Rise:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. - Shape the Pretzels:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide into 8 portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope. Place shredded mozzarella cheese along the center of each rope, fold the dough over the cheese, and shape into pretzels. - Boil the Pretzels:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda. Carefully boil pretzels for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Add Toppings:
Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt. - Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. - Serve:
Allow to cool slightly and enjoy the melty mozzarella center!
Notes
- For extra flavor, serve with marinara or mustard for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg