Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels made easy at home!

Introduction

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown pretzel only to discover a gooey, melty center of mozzarella — pure comfort food magic! These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels bring together the salty chew of classic soft pretzels with the cheesy surprise of your favorite snack. Baked to perfection and surprisingly easy to make at home, they’re perfect for game day, movie night, or anytime you’re craving something fun and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable Fun: Try adding garlic butter, herbs, or even dipping sauces for your own twist!
• Cheese-Packed Goodness: Each bite oozes with melty mozzarella — need we say more?
• Soft, Warm, and Buttery: The homemade pretzel dough is tender on the inside with that iconic chewy crust.
• Surprisingly Simple: No fancy tools or bakery skills required — just a few steps and a little love.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, snacks, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

The creamy layer that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise, giving your pretzels that perfect fluffy texture.
• Warm water: The ideal temperature (around 110°F) activates the yeast, ensuring a successful rise.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and enhance the flavor of the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pretzel dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Salt: Essential for flavor, it balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor to the dough.
• Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! Cut into cubes, it melts beautifully inside the pretzel.
• Baking soda: Used in the boiling water, it gives the pretzels that signature golden-brown color and chewy crust.
• Egg: Beaten and brushed on top for a shiny finish and added flavor.
• Coarse sea salt: For sprinkling on top, it adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.

For those looking to mix things up, consider adding minced garlic to the melted butter for a cheesy garlic flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, cheesy goodness in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a frothy layer on top, which means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Once mixed, pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until a dough begins to form. Don’t be shy—get in there and knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for that perfect chewy texture!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You want it to double in size, which means it’s ready to be shaped into pretzels. This is the perfect time to clean up your workspace or grab a snack!

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch it to seal. Now, roll each stuffed ball into a long rope and twist it into a classic pretzel shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make it look delicious!

Step 5: Boil the Pretzels

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step is key for achieving that golden-brown crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Pretzels

Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg for a shiny finish, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Pop them in a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t skip the boiling step; it’s essential for that chewy texture.
• Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
• Keep your workspace floured to prevent sticking while shaping the pretzels.
• Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the gooey cheese!

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy. Use a kitchen scale for precision if you have one.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing pretzels from boiling water. A regular spoon can suffice, but it’s messier.
• Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. A cast iron skillet can also be used.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Pretzels: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it on top before baking for a savory twist.
• Spicy Pepper Jack: Swap out mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a kick to your pretzels.
• Herb-Infused Dough: Add dried herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a dessert version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these pretzels suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with warm marinara, spicy mustard, or creamy ranch for an extra flavor kick.
• Pair with Drinks: Enjoy with a cold beer, sparkling water, or a classic soda for a nostalgic touch.
• Presentation: Arrange pretzels on a wooden board with dipping sauces in small bowls for a rustic look.

FAQs about Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping your pretzels.

What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese? While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well!

How do I store leftover pretzels? Store any leftover mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I make these pretzels vegan? Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan egg wash made from almond milk and a bit of cornstarch for that shiny finish.

What’s the best way to reheat pretzels? The best way to reheat your pretzels is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain that chewy texture!

Final Thoughts

Making mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels at home is more than just a cooking project; it’s an experience filled with warmth and nostalgia. The joy of pulling apart a freshly baked pretzel, revealing that gooey cheese inside, is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re sharing them with friends during game night or enjoying them solo with a movie, these pretzels bring a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Plus, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take that first bite? Priceless. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let these pretzels become a new favorite in your kitchen!