EASY TO COOK

🥨 Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe 🧀

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These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of chewy, golden-brown pretzel dough with a delicious, melty mozzarella cheese center. They’re a fun, homemade snack or appetizer that everyone will love!

📋 Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast 🌿
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F) 💧
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 🍬
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈

For the Filling:

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), halved 🧀

For the Baking Soda Bath:

  • 1/4 cup baking soda 🌿
  • 4 cups water 💧

For Topping:

  • 1 large egg, beaten 🥚
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough:

  1. Activate the yeast:
  • In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  1. Mix the dough:
  • Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  1. Knead the dough:
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  1. Let it rise:
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Pretzels:

  1. Preheat the oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  1. Divide the dough:
  • Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal portions.
  1. Stuff with mozzarella:
  • Roll each portion into a 10-inch rope, then flatten it with your fingers. Place half a mozzarella cheese stick in the center of the dough, then fold and pinch the edges to completely seal the cheese inside.
  1. Shape into pretzels:
  • Gently shape each stuffed dough rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U, twisting the ends together, and pressing them onto the base of the U.

3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

  1. Make the bath:
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir to dissolve.
  1. Dip the pretzels:
  • Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Pretzels:

  1. Brush with egg wash:
  • Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a golden brown color while baking.
  1. Add coarse salt:
  • Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.

5. Serve:

  1. Cool slightly:
  • Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving.
  1. Enjoy:
  • Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or cheese sauce!

⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Rising Time: 1 hour
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 16 pretzels
🔥 Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal per pretzel

These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a cheesy, soft, and savory snack that will surely become a favorite at your next gathering! 🥨🧀