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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, golden, soft pretzel filled with gooey, melty cheese, this Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Packed with the perfect balance of salty, buttery dough and that irresistible mozzarella center, each bite offers a comforting, delicious experience that feels like a warm hug from your oven. This recipe is designed to bring the magic of soft pretzels right into your kitchen, making it easy to impress friends, satisfy snack cravings, or enjoy a cozy night in with a truly special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create an unforgettable Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe. Each one plays a key role in the final taste, texture, and appearance, ensuring your pretzels are perfectly soft, salty, and cheesy.
- 1 & 1/2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F): Activates the yeast and creates the perfect dough environment.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast to help your dough rise beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes your pretzels soft and fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness from the sugar.
- 4 & 1/2 cups bread flour (*): Provides the necessary structure for chewy, soft pretzels.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 10 cups water: For boiling the pretzels and creating that classic chewy crust.
- 2/3 cup baking soda: Essential for the alkaline water bath that gives pretzels their signature color and texture.
- 16-18 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese): The colorful, melty filling that makes this pretzel recipe truly special.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): For brushing on hot pretzels to add shine and flavor.
- Coarse sea salt (or kosher salt for sprinkling): Provides that delicious salty crunch on top.
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard: Perfect for dipping or mixing into a honey-mustard sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness to your dipping sauce.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Helps balance and smooth out the dipping sauce flavors.
How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in your stand mixer bowl. Let this magical mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This is the first sign that your pretzel dough will be soft and airy once baked.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Begin Dough
Add the salt, bread flour, and melted butter to your yeast mixture. Use the paddle attachment or a wooden spoon to bring it all together until a dough starts to form, then switch to your dough hook for the next phase.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your mixer to medium speed and knead until the dough feels smooth and pulls away from the bowl sides, roughly 5 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour—remember, it should feel soft and not clingy.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. I love using a slightly warmed oven for a consistent cozy environment to speed this along.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep your pretzels from sticking.
Step 6: Make the Baking Soda Bath
Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, reduce heat so the water stays very hot but not violently bubbling — this bath gives the pretzels their iconic pretzel-y crust and golden brown color.
Step 7: Shape the Pretzels
Deflate your dough gently, then divide it into 16 equal pieces on a floured surface. Roll each piece into a rope about 16 to 18 inches long, then wrap it tightly around each mozzarella cheese stick, pinching the ends well to seal in all that melty goodness.
Step 8: Boil the Pretzels
Drop your stuffed pretzels into the simmering baking soda water two at a time for 30 seconds apiece. This step ensures the dough develops that chewy bite we all love. Use a slotted spatula to transfer each boiled pretzel back to your baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pretzels at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes until their tops turn a deep golden brown. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 10: Butter and Salt Finish
As soon as your pretzels come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter then sprinkle with coarse salt for a perfect finishing touch. Enjoy them hot, straight from the oven, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling coarse sea salt over these pretzels right after baking adds not only wonderful texture but also those bursts of flavor that make this Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe irresistible each time. You can also roll them in garlic powder or dried herbs for a fun twist.
Side Dishes
These soft pretzels pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, honey-mustard dip (try mixing the yellow mustard, honey, and mayonnaise provided), or even a creamy ranch. A fresh salad or chili on the side would turn this snack into a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your pretzels on a rustic wooden board piled high with small bowls of dipping sauces. For a party, create individual pretzel “dogs” by wrapping them around hot dogs. The mozzarella-stuffed magic stays just as dreamy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delicious Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing much of their soft, cheesy charm.
Freezing
These pretzels freeze beautifully! Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a snack, you can reheat straight from frozen, no thawing needed.
Reheating
To bring your leftover pretzels back to life, reheat them in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. A quick brush of butter afterward will refresh both the taste and texture, making each bite heavenly once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese for stuffing?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is perfect because it melts smoothly and stretches beautifully, try cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda for different flavor profiles. Just make sure it’s a stickable cheese that won’t leak out during boiling.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour but expect a slightly less chewy pretzel. Bread flour provides extra gluten, which builds that amazing soft yet sturdy texture.
Why do I boil the pretzels in baking soda water?
This step is key to developing the signature chewy crust and deep brown color unique to pretzels. The alkaline solution causes a Maillard reaction during baking, giving that iconic flavor and crisp crust.
Can I make these pretzels without a stand mixer?
Definitely! You can mix and knead by hand; just expect a little more time and elbow grease. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky, so flour your surface well and knead until smooth.
What’s the best dipping sauce for mozzarella-stuffed pretzels?
Classic marinara is a fan favorite, but don’t miss out on the honey-mustard combo made from mustard, honey, and mayo in this recipe. It’s sweet, tangy, and creamy — absolutely addictive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly comforting about baking and sharing these Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe treats with loved ones. The melty cheese, warm dough, and salty crust come together in a way that brings smiles and full bellies every time. Trust me, once you start making these, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to snack or appetizer that you just have to make again and again.
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