Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels (Print Version)
Chewy golden pretzels stuffed with gooey mozzarella, ideal for parties and snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
04 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 2 tsp fine sea salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
07 - 8 sticks mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block, cut into sticks)
→ Poaching
08 - 8 cups water
09 - ½ cup baking soda
→ Topping
10 - 1 large egg, beaten
11 - Coarse salt for sprinkling
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
# How to Make It:
01 - Dissolve sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, flatten slightly, and place a mozzarella stick in the center. Pinch edges tightly to seal and shape into classic pretzel form, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
06 - Bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce to a simmer.
07 - Gently dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and place on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
09 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
10 - Optionally brush with melted butter while hot for extra flavor. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The moment you bite through that chewy pretzel exterior and hit the molten cheese center is absolute kitchen magic
- These disappear faster than you can say second helping, making them perfect for feeding a crowd
02 -
- Sealing the dough around the cheese tightly is critical or you will have a cheesy explosion in the oven
- The baking soda bath may seem fussy but it is absolutely non negotiable for authentic pretzel flavor and texture
03 -
- If the dough feels too sticky to work with, lightly flour your hands rather than adding more flour to the dough itself
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, though they rarely last that long in my house