Easy Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy treat that melts in your mouth and satisfies every snack craving, then you’re in the right place with this Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels recipe. These soft pretzels combine the irresistible chewiness of classic pretzels with gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re prepping for a casual gathering or just want a fun snack at home, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite. Let’s dive into all the reasons why you’ll adore making and munching on these soft, cheesy delights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Delicious: The recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together into a mouthwatering treat.
• Cheesy Goodness: The mozzarella filling gives a gooey surprise inside every soft pretzel bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for snacks, parties, or even game day with friends and family.
• Homemade Comfort: Enjoy the warm, fresh-from-the-oven flavors that store-bought just can’t match.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with different seasonings or dipping sauces to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels, you’ll want simple pantry staples that bring balance in flavor, texture, and that signature golden crust. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these soft, cheesy pretzels you’ll crave again and again.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop that soft, airy texture.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough perfectly.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough’s natural sweetness.
• Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show—adds melty, creamy goodness inside.
• Baking soda: Used in the boiling bath to create the pretzel’s signature crust.
• Butter (optional): Brushed on after baking for extra richness and shine.
• Coarse salt: Sprinkled on top before baking for that classic pretzel seasoning.

Variations for Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels

Feel free to mix things up and customize your pretzels based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences—pretzels are incredibly versatile, and this recipe welcomes your creativity.

• Herb-infused dough: Add dried rosemary or oregano to the dough for a fragrant twist.
• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheese experience.
• Stuffed pretzels: Add cooked bacon bits or jalapeños alongside mozzarella for extra flavor and spice.
• Gluten-free alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a pretzel everyone can enjoy.
• Sweet version: Skip the coarse salt and sprinkle cinnamon sugar for a delightful dessert pretzel.

How to Make Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Make the dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 3: First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the pretzels

Divide the dough into equal portions, then roll each into a rope. Flatten each rope slightly, add a strip or small piece of mozzarella in the center, and carefully seal the dough around the cheese. Shape each into a classic pretzel form.

Step 5: Boil in baking soda bath

Bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully drop each pretzel in, one or two at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds on each side. This step gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Place boiled pretzels on a lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter if desired, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels

• Use cold mozzarella: Chilling the cheese before stuffing prevents it from oozing out early during shaping.
• Seal edges tightly: Press the dough firmly around the cheese to avoid leaks while boiling and baking.
• Don’t skip the baking soda bath: It’s essential for that authentic pretzel crust and chew.
• Brush with butter post-bake: Adds shine and rich flavor to your pretzels.
• Allow dough to rise properly: A well-proofed dough ensures soft, fluffy pretzels every time.

How to Serve Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

Top your warm pretzels with extra coarse salt or sprinkle grated Parmesan and herbs for an elevated look and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Serve these homemade mozzarella soft pretzels with classic condiments like mustard, marinara sauce, or creamy ranch dip to complement their cheesy warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange pretzels on a wooden board paired with a variety of dips and fresh veggies, or slice them into “pretzel bites” and serve with skewers for easy sharing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover pretzels fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked pretzels individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked softness, reheat pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave briefly for a quick warm snack.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or fontina work well, but choose one that melts smoothly to maintain that gooey center.

Do I need a special pretzel pan or tool?

Nope! You can shape these pretzels by hand on any baking sheet lined with parchment paper—no special tools required.

Can I make these pretzels vegan?

Yes! Substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives and use a vegan butter for brushing after baking.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour in a warm, draft-free spot.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath creates the unique pretzel crust texture and browns the dough beautifully during baking.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels are an absolute joy to make and enjoy, whether you’re serving them up for family snack time or impressing guests at a gathering. The combination of chewy dough and melted mozzarella inside is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and watch these soft, cheesy treats become a beloved staple in your home kitchen!

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