Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels! They are absolutely divine—chewy on the outside, and when you take a bite, you get this glorious, gooey cheese oozing out. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy movie night with friends, and we just couldn’t stop munching on them! The aroma of freshly baked pretzels filled the air, and everyone was hooked after the first bite. It’s one of those recipes that not only satisfies your snack cravings but also makes you feel like a master chef in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for game days, movie nights, or just any day you need a little cheesy comfort in your life. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
How to Prepare Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by grabbing a bowl and combining 2 cups of warm water (aim for that sweet spot between 110°F and 115°F), 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly; this means your yeast is working its magic!
- Next, add 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. It might feel a bit sticky, but don’t worry!
- Time to get your hands a little floury! Knead the dough on a floured surface for around 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you knead.
- Once your dough is ready, cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This is when it gets all puffy and delightful!
- While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot for those pretzels!
- After the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces and flatten each piece slightly. Place a generous amount of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the dough over, pinching it closed to seal in that cheesy goodness.
- Now, here’s a fun part: bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds—this step is key for that classic pretzel flavor!
- After boiling, place the pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with 1 beaten egg and sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top for that extra crunch.
- Finally, bake them in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smelling heavenly. Then, just try to resist that first bite while they cool down!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels turn out perfect every single time! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients—use fresh mozzarella for that melty, gooey filling that dreams are made of. When you’re kneading the dough, remember it should be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, just add a little more flour; a little flour goes a long way!
Also, keep your dough covered while it rises to prevent it from drying out. When it comes to serving these beauties, they’re best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with a side of spicy mustard or a cheese dip for that extra oomph! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels! For starters, why not try different cheeses? A blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese can create a rich, tangy filling that’s simply irresistible. If you want a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese before sealing it up.
Feeling fancy? Brush your pretzels with garlic butter right after they come out of the oven and sprinkle them with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with toppings—try everything from everything bagel seasoning to a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory finish. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these pretzels your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of your delightful mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
So, as you indulge in these cheesy delights, you can feel a little less guilty knowing what you’re munching on! Enjoy every gooey bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve got you covered with some frequently asked questions about these scrumptious mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels. Let’s dive in!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you that classic ooey-gooey texture, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend can add a fun twist to your pretzels. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste!
How do I store leftover pretzels?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. Just reheat them briefly in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
Can I freeze these pretzels?
You bet! Freeze them individually in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. They’ll taste just as good as the day you made them!
What can I serve with these pretzels?
These pretzels pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Think classic mustard, warm cheese sauce, or even a tangy marinara. They make for a perfect snack or party appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly cheesy goodness: Each bite is filled with warm, gooey mozzarella that melts in your mouth.
- Fun and easy to make: Perfect for both novice and experienced cooks, this recipe walks you through every step!
- Versatile snack: Great for game days, movie nights, or just a cozy afternoon treat with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the cheese or add spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Fresh out of the oven: The smell of baking pretzels will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
- Perfect for sharing: With 12 pretzels in a batch, there’s plenty to go around, making it a fantastic party snack.
- Kid-friendly fun: Get the little ones involved in shaping and filling the pretzels for a fun family activity.
Serving Suggestions
Alright, let’s chat about how to make your mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels even more enjoyable! These little bundles of joy are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right dips and drinks takes them to the next level. I love serving them with a side of spicy mustard for that perfect tangy kick, or a warm cheese dip that complements the gooey mozzarella inside. If you’re feeling fancy, a zesty marinara sauce for dipping is a crowd-pleaser!
As for beverages, a nice cold beer or a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully with those chewy pretzel bites. And if you’re looking for something cozy, a rich and creamy hot chocolate in the colder months brings a delightful contrast to the salty pretzels. Trust me, whatever you choose, these pretzels will be the star of the show!
Print
Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels in 60 Minutes of Bliss
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels are delicious, chewy snacks filled with gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Divide the dough into small pieces and flatten them.
- Place mozzarella in the center and fold the dough over to seal.
- Boil water and baking soda in a pot.
- Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
- Keep the dough covered while it rises.
- Serve warm for a gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels
