Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe for Snack Lovers

Warm, golden-brown pretzels with gooey mozzarella stuffed inside promise a delightful twist on a classic snack.

soft and pillowy dough wraps around melted cheese, creating an irresistible treat that begs to be pulled apart.

These mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels bring comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Salty, buttery exteriors give way to stretchy, rich cheese that oozes with each bite.

The contrast between crisp pretzel crust and molten cheese center makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Bakery-style perfection awaits with just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills.

Get ready to elevate your snack game and impress everyone with these mouthwatering pretzels that are sure to disappear in minutes.

What’s Inside Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

For The Dough Base:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the bread's soft, stretchy texture, choose filtered water for the best results.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast, ensuring a perfect rise and helping create a golden exterior.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides the magical rising power, select fresh yeast with a recent expiration date for maximum performance.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundation of the pretzel, look for unbleached flour with high protein content.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For The Cheese Filling:
  • Mozzarella: Delivers creamy, melty goodness, select fresh, low-moisture mozzarella for the best stretch.
  • Parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty depth to the filling, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Introduces aromatic herbal notes, pick bright green sprigs with strong fragrance.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Baking Soda: Creates the signature pretzel shine and deep brown crust, use aluminum-free version for purest results.
  • Additional Parmesan: Provides crispy, savory topping, grate just before sprinkling for maximum flavor punch.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Offers beautiful garnish and extra herbal aroma, chop finely for even distribution.

Tools You’ll Need for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for water, sugar, flour, and salt.
  • Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for baking pretzels.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of pretzels.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps stretch and flatten dough into long ropes.
  • Pot: For boiling water and baking soda bath.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for mixing and stirring ingredients.
  • Clean Cloth: Covers dough during resting period.

How to Shape & Bake Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

  • Yeast Activation Magical Moment

Warm water becomes alive with sugar and yeast, creating a bubbly potion that signals the start of delicious pretzel magic.

  • Dough Creation

Mix flour and salt into the yeasty liquid, transforming ingredients into a soft, smooth dough that will become your pretzel canvas.

  • Dough Relaxation

Let the dough rest and grow, developing flavor and texture while you prepare the cheesy filling.

  • Filling Preparation

Combine mozzarella with fragrant rosemary and nutty Parmesan, creating a flavor-packed center for your pretzels.

  • Pretzel Shaping

Divide the dough, roll into ropes, and carefully stuff with the cheesy mixture, sealing the edges to create perfect pretzel pockets.

  • Water Bath

Quickly dip each pretzel in a special baking soda solution that will give them a gorgeous golden exterior.

  • Baking Transformation

Sprinkle with extra cheese and herbs, then bake until the pretzels turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Variations & Smart Tips for Mozzarella Pretzels

  • Swap rosemary for fresh thyme, basil, or oregano to create exciting taste variations that complement the mozzarella perfectly.
  • Prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for convenient meal planning and stress-free preparation.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the pretzel's signature chewy texture and soft consistency.
  • Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or herbed ranch dressing to elevate the flavor experience and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your homemade pretzels.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Deliciously

  • Serve with Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by pairing these cheesy pretzels with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or herbed ranch for extra zest.
  • Pair with Hearty Soups: Complement the pretzels alongside a creamy tomato bisque or rustic Italian minestrone for a comforting meal that satisfies.
  • Make a Shareable Appetizer: Slice pretzels into bite-sized pieces for a crowd-pleasing party snack that guests will devour quickly during game nights or gatherings.
  • Create a Lunch Combo: Transform these pretzels into a complete meal by serving with a crisp green salad or light Mediterranean-style side dish.

Storing Your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels for Later

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover mozzarella stuffed pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each pretzel individually to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze cooled pretzels by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay delicious for up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent freezer burn and maintain their perfect texture.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, making them taste freshly baked.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the pretzel dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store the prepared dough in the refrigerator, covered tightly. Shape and bake just before serving to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 9

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Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels combine classic German bakery techniques with American cheese-loving creativity. Salty, chewy dough wrapped around melted cheese creates a satisfying snack you’ll crave at game day parties or weekend gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) warm water
  • 1 packet (7 g/2 ¼ tsps) active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3 ½ cups (437.5 g/15.4 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
  • ¼ cup (25 g/0.9 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 4 cups (960 ml/32 fl oz) water
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Whisk warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
  2. Dough Preparation: Methodically knead all-purpose flour and kosher salt into the yeast mixture, creating a smooth, elastic dough with consistent texture.
  3. Dough Rising: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free location for 30-45 minutes, enabling the volume to double.
  4. Filling Creation: Gently combine shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl, preparing the savory interior.
  5. Dough Shaping: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into 12-inch ropes, then flatten and distribute cheese mixture along the center.
  6. Pretzel Formation: Carefully fold and seal dough edges around the cheese filling, twisting each segment into a traditional pretzel shape while ensuring a tight seal.
  7. Poaching Process: Bring water and baking soda to a gentle simmer, then immerse each pretzel for 30 seconds to enhance the exterior’s golden-brown crispness.
  8. Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange poached pretzels, garnishing with additional Parmesan and rosemary.
  9. Final Baking: Bake for 15-20 minutes until pretzels achieve a rich, golden-brown color, then remove and rest for 5-7 minutes to stabilize the cheese filling before serving.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is precisely 110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it; too hot or cold will prevent proper rising.
  • Dough Handling Technique: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates a perfect pretzel texture with ideal chewiness.
  • Sealing Secrets: Press pretzel edges firmly and twist carefully to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
  • Baking Soda Bath Magic: The brief 30-second poach creates a distinctive pretzel crust, giving that classic golden-brown exterior with a crispy, glossy finish.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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