Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a warm, golden pretzel stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese? These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels with a Golden Crust are the perfect blend of chewy, buttery dough and rich, melty cheese. Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for an impressive snack, or simply indulging in a cheesy treat, this recipe is bound to be a hit.

Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible pretzels right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

These pretzels are more than just a snack—they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Cheese Heaven: Each pretzel hides a molten mozzarella surprise.
• Homemade Goodness: Freshly baked pretzels are leagues ahead of store-bought options.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them as appetizers, party snacks, or a satisfying lunch.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is perfect for home bakers.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Dough Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Warm water (110°F-115°F)	1½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 tablespoon
Active dry yeast	2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
All-purpose flour	4½ cups
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup
Salt	2 teaspoons

Baking Soda Water

Ingredient	Quantity
Baking soda	½ cup
Water	10 cups

Filling and Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Mozzarella cheese	8 oz (cut into 16 pieces)
Coarse sea salt	For sprinkling
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup (for brushing)

Optional Dipping Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Marinara sauce	As desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active.

2. Make the Dough

• Add the flour, ¼ cup melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.
• Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Stuffing the Pretzels

5. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Prepare Baking Soda Water

• In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil.

7. Shape and Stuff the Dough

• Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.
• Flatten each piece into a rectangle.
• Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each rectangle.
• Fold the dough over the cheese and seal the edges to form a ball.

Boiling and Baking the Pretzels

8. Boil the Pretzels

• Drop each stuffed dough ball into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Sprinkle with Salt and Bake

• Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.

Finishing Touches

10. Brush with Butter

• Remove the pretzels from the oven and brush them with the remaining ¼ cup melted butter.

11. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm, with marinara sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center and the buttery, golden crust!

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels

• Use Warm Water: Ensure the water is between 110°F and 115°F for the yeast to activate properly.
• Seal the Edges Well: Prevent cheese from leaking by sealing the edges tightly.
• Don’t Skip the Boiling Step: This gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden crust.
• Customize Your Filling: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a fun twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per pretzel (makes 16):

Nutrient	Amount per Pretzel
Calories	210
Protein	8g
Total Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g

FAQs About Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute instant yeast without proofing it first. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

3. How do I store leftover pretzels?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp exterior.

4. Can I freeze these pretzels?

Yes, freeze the baked pretzels in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy.

5. Can I make these pretzels without cheese?

Definitely! Skip the stuffing step for classic soft pretzels.

6. What other dipping sauces work well?

Cheese sauce, honey mustard, or garlic butter are excellent alternatives to marinara.

Creative Variations to Try

• Garlic Herb Pretzels: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the melted butter for brushing.
• Pizza-Stuffed Pretzels: Include a slice of pepperoni with the mozzarella for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Sweet Pretzels: Swap the salt for cinnamon sugar and use cream cheese as a filling.

Conclusion: A Cheesy Treat Worth Baking

These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels with a Golden Crust are everything you could want in a homemade snack: flavorful, cheesy, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying them solo, these pretzels will make any moment special.

So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of cheesy perfection. Once you try these pretzels, they’ll become a regular on your recipe rotation!

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