Description
Savory mozzarella stuffed pretzels bring comfort and flavor to your snack time with a golden-brown exterior and gooey cheese center. Warm, twisted goodness awaits those who crave a delightful blend of bread and melted cheese in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzels Dry Ingredients:
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Herbs:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary for topping
Wet Ingredients and Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10 cups water for boiling
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Activate yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a stand mixer. Allow mixture to become frothy and develop for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate rosemary, flour, and softened butter into yeast mixture. Knead dough thoroughly for 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, allowing it to double in volume.
- Blend mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then place mixture in freezer to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a pot of water with baking soda for boiling.
- Divide risen dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a rope.
- Gently flatten each rope and distribute frozen cheese mixture along the center.
- Carefully roll dough around cheese, then shape into traditional pretzel curves.
- Submerge each pretzel in boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds to develop golden exterior.
- Brush pretzels with egg wash to enhance browning and shine.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Optional: Brush warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with additional seasonings.
Notes
- Freeze cheese mixture beforehand to prevent melting during shaping and ensure clean, compact filling.
- Use room temperature ingredients for consistent dough texture and better yeast activation.
- Choose high-moisture mozzarella for gooey, stretchy cheese center that remains creamy after baking.
- Try alternative cheese blends like sharp cheddar or fontina for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg