Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate comfort food combination: soft, chewy pretzels filled with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, movie night, or any time a cheesy craving strikes. We’ve cracked the code to getting that perfect golden-brown crust and a glorious cheese pull, all without the cheese leaking out. Forget the freezer aisle; these homemade cheesy pretzels are surprisingly simple to make and infinitely more delicious. They are a fantastic appetizer that will disappear in minutes!
This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect homemade pretzel dough, selecting the best cheese, and mastering the crucial baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature flavor and color. Get ready to create a snack that your friends and family will request again and again.
Why This Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels Recipe is a Game-Changer
You might have tried other recipes, but this one is designed for foolproof success. We focus on the details that matter most, ensuring your pretzels are perfectly sealed to keep all that delicious mozzarella inside. The dough is soft, easy to work with, and bakes up to a beautiful, chewy texture. Plus, the flavor is simply unbeatable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever bought frozen pretzels. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you can achieve snack perfection.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these cheese stuffed pretzels from scratch requires just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast. Make sure it’s around 110°F (43°C).
- Active Dry Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes our dough rise and become fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sugar feeds the yeast and adds a touch of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pretzel dough.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- Salt: Crucial for flavor in both the dough and for sprinkling on top.
- Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Use blocks or string cheese cut into pieces for the best results and minimal leakage.
- Baking Soda: For the essential baking soda bath that gives pretzels their classic chewy crust and deep golden color.
- Coarse Sea Salt: For that iconic pretzel topping.
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the most incredible homemade Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels. We’ll break it down from making the dough to baking them into golden, cheesy perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This proves your yeast is active. Add the flour, melted butter, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you don’t have a mixer, you can knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Portion and Stuff with Mozzarella
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a small rectangle. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese (about 1-inch thick) in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the seams together firmly to create a completely sealed ball or log. It’s crucial to ensure there are no gaps for the cheese to escape during baking. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
For a truly decadent side dish, you might also love these creamy Au Gratin Potatoes. They are the perfect comfort food pairing for a hearty meal.
Step 3: The Essential Baking Soda Bath
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda to the boiling water—be cautious as it will fizz up. Working in batches, gently drop 3-4 stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water for just 30 seconds. This step is non-negotiable for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and color! Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water, allowing excess water to drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Once all the pretzels have had their bath, brush the tops with a beaten egg (optional, for extra shine) and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best, most epic cheese pull!
Pro Tips for Perfect, No-Leak Stuffed Pretzels
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has too much water and will make your pretzels soggy and prone to leaking. A block of low-moisture mozzarella or cheese sticks works best.
- Seal the Seams Tightly: This is the most critical step. Pinch the dough together very firmly after stuffing it. Any small opening can result in a cheese explosion in the oven.
- Don’t Over-Boil: A quick 30-second dip in the baking soda bath is all you need. Boiling them for too long can make the dough tough.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the pretzels enough space on the baking sheet to bake evenly and get golden brown on all sides.
If you’re looking for another amazing appetizer, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are always a huge hit at parties.
Delicious Dipping Sauces for Your Pretzels
While these cheese-filled pretzels are incredible on their own, a good dip takes them to the next level. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
- Classic Marinara Sauce: The timeless choice for anything mozzarella-related.
- Queso Dip: For an extra cheesy, spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard: The perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Melted butter infused with garlic powder and fresh parsley is simple but divine.
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Pretzels
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This will help them regain their slightly crispy exterior and soft interior. For a quick option, you can microwave them, but they will lose their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut. The texture and flavor will be slightly different from a classic pretzel, but they will still be delicious. Simply skip the dough-making steps, divide the dough, stuff, and proceed with the baking soda bath and baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture and melt the cheese.
The two most important steps are to use low-moisture mozzarella cheese (not fresh mozzarella) and to pinch the seams of the dough together very tightly, ensuring there are absolutely no gaps for the cheese to escape.
Classic marinara sauce is a top choice. Other great options include queso dip, honey mustard, and a simple garlic butter sauce.
A block of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is ideal. You can cut it into chunks. Low-moisture mozzarella string cheese also works perfectly and is easy to portion.
More Amazing Recipes To Try
After mastering these pretzels, why not try another comforting dish? This Marry Me Chicken Tortellini is a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the dough around it, pinching the seams tightly to seal completely.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the baking soda.
- Working in batches, boil the stuffed pretzel balls for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg (if using) and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Ensure the dough is sealed very tightly around the cheese to keep it all inside during the bake.
Serve immediately for the best cheese pull experience!
Share Your Masterpiece!
We are so excited for you to try this Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzels recipe! It’s a fun and rewarding bake that results in the ultimate cheesy snack. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest!
