Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate snack-time comfort food. With a golden, chewy exterior and a warm, gooey mozzarella center, these homemade pretzels deliver bakery-style quality right from your kitchen. They’re perfect for game day, movie night, or as a fun weekend baking project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Golden, chewy pretzel dough with a cheesy surprise inside
• Perfect balance of savory and salty flavors
• Fun to make with simple ingredients
• Great as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food
• Customizable with different cheeses or toppings
• Freezer-friendly for quick future snacks
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Instant or active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Baking soda
• Shredded or block mozzarella cheese
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in the flour, salt, and melted butter to form a dough. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll into ropes. Flatten each rope and place mozzarella down the center.
6. Pinch the dough closed around the cheese, roll to seal, and shape into a pretzel.
7. Prepare the baking soda bath by boiling water and adding baking soda. Dip each pretzel in the bath for 20–30 seconds.
8. Place pretzels on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Try different cheeses: Cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda work well.
• Add herbs: Mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh rosemary into the dough.
• Stuff with extras: Add sliced pepperoni, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes with the cheese.
• Make pretzel bites: Cut dough into smaller segments and stuff for bite-sized versions.
• Use whole wheat flour: Swap out half the flour for whole wheat for a heartier version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. For crispiness, avoid microwaving too long.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I need to use the baking soda bath?

Yes, the baking soda bath gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture and golden color.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

You can, but block mozzarella cut into sticks gives a better gooey center with less leakage.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and avoid overfilling.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but the egg wash adds shine and helps the salt stick. Milk can be a substitute.

What type of salt is best for topping?

Use coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for that classic salty crust.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Absolutely. A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier.

Are these good for dipping?

Yes! Serve with marinara, ranch, mustard, or cheese sauce for dipping.

Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

How can I make them vegan?

Use plant-based butter, skip the egg wash, and use vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a delicious, cheesy twist on a classic snack. With their chewy exterior and melty cheese interior, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or reheat them later, these pretzels are always a hit. Give them a try and turn your kitchen into a mini pretzel bakery!

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