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:
- 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.
- Mix the dough:
- Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 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:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal portions.
- 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.
- 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:
- Make the bath:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir to dissolve.
- 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:
- Brush with egg wash:
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give them a golden brown color while baking.
- Add coarse salt:
- Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
5. Serve:
- Cool slightly:
- Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving.
- 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! 🥨🧀