Description
These golden, chewy soft pretzels are stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and finished with a buttery, salty crust. Perfect for snacks, parties, or cozy indulgent moments.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For Filling and Topping:
- 16 chunks mozzarella cheese (from block mozzarella)
- Coarse sea salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Knead the Dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare Pretzel Balls: While dough rises, cut mozzarella into 16 chunks. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stuff and Shape: Divide dough into 16 pieces. Flatten each, place mozzarella in the center, and seal into a ball.
- Boil the Pretzel Balls: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil pretzel balls in batches for 30 seconds.
- Bake: Remove with a slotted spoon, place on baking sheet, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with melted butter and serve warm with optional marinara dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use cold mozzarella to prevent excessive melting and leakage.
- Ensure dough is sealed well around cheese.
- Boil in batches to avoid sticking.
- Check doneness at 12 minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pretzel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
