Mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels (Printer-Friendly Version)
Soft pretzels with a golden crust and gooey mozzarella filling for a warm, cheesy snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 -
4 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 -
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons melted butter
→ Filling and Topping
07 -
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
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½ cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
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1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon coarse salt or pretzel salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter and salt.
02 -
In a large bowl, add flour and create a well in the center. Pour in yeast mixture gradually while mixing with a wooden spoon. Knead with hands as dough forms.
03 -
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until soft, slightly sticky, and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
04 -
Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope, flatten slightly, place mozzarella half in center, and wrap dough around it, pinching edges to seal.
05 -
Shape each stuffed rope into a U, cross the ends over each other, and press down onto the base to form classic pretzel shape.
06 -
Bring 8 cups water to boil in a large pot. Add ½ cup baking soda, stirring until dissolved.
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Carefully place pretzels into boiling bath one at a time. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
08 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush boiled pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt on top.
09 -
Bake pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Boiling pretzels in baking soda bath creates the characteristic chewy crust and golden color.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
03 -
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds, noting cheese may ooze.