Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite treats to whip up in the kitchen: **Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels**! There’s something so magical about biting into a warm, soft pretzel and discovering that gooey, cheesy center waiting for you. It’s like a flavor surprise party in every single bite!
I first brought these pretzels to a family gathering a few years back, and let me tell you, they were a hit! Everyone was raving, and I even had a few relatives trying to sneak a second (or third) one while I was busy chatting. So now, they call me the “Pretzel Queen” at family events, and I gladly accept that title as long as someone is there to help me eat them (because I definitely can’t do it all on my own!).
So, if you’re looking to impress friends, family, or just yourself with a delicious homemade snack, let’s dive into this soft pretzel recipe that brings cheesy goodness to the table!
What’s in Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?
Let’s break down these delightful ingredients and see what makes them come together:
Warm Water: We need about 2 cups of this to help activate our yeast. Nothing too hot, just warm enough to give the yeast a little wake-up call!
Active Dry Yeast: One packet (that’s about 2 1/4 teaspoons) is all we need to make our pretzels nice and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: A 1/4 cup is added to the mix to feed the yeast – it loves a little sweetness!
All-Purpose Flour: A hefty 4 1/2 cups forms the base of our dough.
Salt: Just 1 teaspoon to enhance the flavor of our lovely pretzels.
Baking Soda: This is what we’ll use in the boiling step to give our pretzels that signature crust – half a cup does the trick perfectly.
Egg: A large egg is necessary for the egg wash which will give our pretzels a beautiful golden sheen when baked!
Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle of this on top brings out more flavors and adds that classic pretzel touch.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! An 8 oz block of mozzarella, cut into cubes, will be nestled snugly inside each pretzel.
Unsalted Butter: About 2 tablespoons melted to drizzle over the warm pretzels for that finishing touch.
Optional Fresh Herbs: I love adding rosemary or other herbs as a tasty garnish – you can never go wrong with a fresh kick!
Is Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Good for You?
Now, while I adore these pretzels, it’s good to consider how they fit into our diets.
Mozzarella: This cheese is lower in fat than many other cheeses, and the protein provides a lovely punch, making it somewhat of a guilty pleasure you can feel a bit better about indulging in!
Whole Flour: If you swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, you’ll introduce more fiber into this recipe, which is a great plus.
Just remember, these pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, and if you find yourself munching on a few too many, well, balance is key. Maybe pair them with a side of veggies or a nice salad to keep things colorful on your plate!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on your pretzel-making journey (makes about 12 pretzels):
– 2 cups warm water (110°F – 115°F)
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup baking soda
– 1 large egg (for egg wash)
– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: Fresh rosemary or other herbs for garnish
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?
Ready to get into the fun of making these pretzels? Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying that cheesy goodness in no time!
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and excited.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a dough that’s both inviting and easy to work with.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Pop it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper – we want to set our scene for baking!
5. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long – think of a mini pretzel yoga session!
6. Now comes the fun part: take a piece of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a mozzarella cube right in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese, sealing it like a treasure chest, and twist it into a pretzel knot.
7. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully stir in the baking soda. Gently drop your pretzels into the boiling water one at a time, letting them simmer for about 30 seconds on each side. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over each pretzel. Sprinkle the tops with your coarse sea salt and any herbs you’re choosing to utilize for an extra flavor bonus!
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until those puppies are golden brown and calling your name.
10. When they come out, drizzle the melted butter over the warm pretzels and get ready to serve immediately!
Pretzel Perfection Tips
If you want to take your pretzels to the next level, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:
– These pretzels are best eaten fresh out of the oven – get ready for your house to smell like a charming bakery!
– Feel free to experiment with different cheese fillings; cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack could add a fun twist.
– For added flavor in the dough, consider mixing in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano while making the dough.
– Serve your pretzels with a side of mustard, cheese dip, or even marinara for a delicious snacking experience!
I can’t wait for you to try making these **Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels**. They’re such a fun way to spend some time in the kitchen and an irresistible treat to share with others. Let me know how they turn out for you – happy baking!
