Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels
Homemade Mozzarella Soft Pretzels offer a warm, chewy, and cheesy snack perfect for any occasion. These soft pretzels combine traditional pretzel dough with gooey mozzarella cheese inside, delivering a comforting and irresistible treat fresh from your oven. Ideal for casual gatherings, game days, or just indulging in a fun homemade snack.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 soft pretzels 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling and Finishing
- 8 ounces cold mozzarella cheese, cut into strips or small pieces
- 3/4 cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling on top
- 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.
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the 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.
- 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.
- 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 cold mozzarella in the center, and carefully seal the dough around the cheese. Shape each into a classic pretzel form.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft pretzels, mozzarella, cheesy pretzels, homemade snack, baking, appetizer, party food