Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of chewy, golden-brown pretzel dough and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This irresistible snack is ideal for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving a savory treat. In just 60 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these homemade delights and impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step to achieve perfectly stuffed pretzels. Get ready to enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels!
Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
- Easy and Quick: This recipe takes just 60 minutes from start to finish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Each bite is filled with melty mozzarella cheese.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for snacks, parties, or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different cheeses or add-ins.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Pretzel Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Mozzarella Filling:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes or sticks)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
Boiling and Topping:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm area.
2: Prepare the Mozzarella Filling
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Season the Butter: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Set aside for brushing the pretzels later.
3: Assemble the Stuffed Pretzels
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long.
- Stuff with Mozzarella: Flatten each rope slightly, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and fold the dough around the cheese. Pinch the edges to seal tightly.
- Form the Pretzel Shape: Shape the stuffed dough into a traditional pretzel twist and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4: Boil and Bake the Pretzels
- Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Season: Brush the boiled pretzels with the seasoned butter mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pretzels to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
- Seal the Dough Tightly: Ensure the edges are fully pinched to prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during baking.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best melt and flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for unique flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Warm marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
- Spicy cheese dip
- Ranch dressing
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before shaping.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pretzels on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Warm leftover pretzels in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Varieties: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for a new flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast in the same amount. You do not need to activate instant yeast beforehand.
2. How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the mozzarella. You can also freeze the stuffed dough briefly before boiling to help it hold its shape.
3. Can I reheat stuffed pretzels in the microwave?
While possible, reheating in the oven will maintain the pretzel’s crispness better than a microwave.
4. Are Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy surprise inside these soft, chewy pretzels.
More Delicious Snack Recipes for Your Party
- Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers: The Perfect Easy Snack
- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
- Bacon Cheese Popper Balls
- Delicious Spinach and Cheese Croquettes Recipe
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate savory snack, combining the classic taste of homemade pretzels with a rich, gooey cheese center. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a comforting treat, this easy recipe is a must-try for any cheese lover. Give it a go and delight in every cheesy, salty bite!
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe (60 Minutes)
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of chewy, golden-brown pretzel dough and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This irresistible snack is ideal for parties, game nights, or whenever you're craving a savory treat. In just 60 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these homemade delights and impress your friends and family.Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step to achieve perfectly stuffed pretzels. Get ready to enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water about 110°F
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mozzarella Filling:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes or sticks
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Boiling and Topping:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm area.
Prepare the Mozzarella Filling
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Season the Butter: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Set aside for brushing the pretzels later.
Assemble the Stuffed Pretzels
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long.
- Stuff with Mozzarella: Flatten each rope slightly, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and fold the dough around the cheese. Pinch the edges to seal tightly.
- Form the Pretzel Shape: Shape the stuffed dough into a traditional pretzel twist and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Boil and Bake the Pretzels
- Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Season: Brush the boiled pretzels with the seasoned butter mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pretzels to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
Notes
- Seal the Dough Tightly: Ensure the edges are fully pinched to prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during baking.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best melt and flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for unique flavor variations.
