When I first made mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels, I couldn’t believe how much joy they brought to my kitchen. Fresh out of the oven, every golden-brown pretzel had a gooey cheese-filled surprise waiting to be discovered. The aroma of rosemary and Parmesan wafting through the air made it impossible to wait until they cooled. My family couldn’t resist either; they were gone within minutes, and I was already asked when I’d be making them again.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. Despite involving yeast and a few steps, it never feels overwhelming. Plus, the final result is out of this world. These pretzels are warm, soft, and filled with melty mozzarella that oozes with every bite. They’re the perfect combo of comfort food and fun snack, making them a winner for any home baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating something extraordinary in your own kitchen.

Cheesy Goodness in Every Bite

Who doesn’t love warm mozzarella? Each pretzel has a creamy, cheesy center that’s perfectly balanced with rosemary and Parmesan. Every bite is gooey and satisfying. The mix of melty cheese and herbs creates a flavor-packed surprise in every mouthful.

The Perfectly Soft Pretzel Texture

With a chewy, golden-brown exterior and a pillowy-soft interior, these pretzels are irresistible. The combination of the buttery crust and soft dough makes them a true indulgence. They have that bakery-style texture that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ideal for Any Occasion

These pretzels are perfect for game nights, parties, or even solo snacking. They’re fancy enough for entertaining but cozy enough to enjoy curled up on the couch. Whether served with dip or on their own, they always steal the show.

Customizable Flavors

From adding extra spices to experimenting with different cheeses, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can make it your own and switch things up based on your cravings. Try jalapeños for a spicy twist or swap in smoked gouda for a bold flavor upgrade.

Fun and Rewarding

Making soft pretzels from scratch is an enjoyable process. From kneading the dough to shaping it into a classic pretzel twist, the steps are hands-on and satisfying. It’s a great weekend kitchen project that results in seriously delicious rewards.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to whip up these delicious pretzels.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering recipe.

Warm water
Rapid-rise yeast
Sugar
Salt
Fresh rosemary
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Baking soda
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Garlic powder
Black pepper

Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Add Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic in the butter topping for a flavorful boost.
Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Herb Options: Experiment with thyme or oregano instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing Bowl: To combine the dough ingredients.
Stand Mixer: Fitted with a dough hook for easy kneading.
Pot: For boiling the baking soda water.
Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to bake the pretzels.
Pastry Brush: To brush on the egg wash and buttery topping.
Cheese Grater: To shred mozzarella and Parmesan.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels?

Follow these easy steps to make soft pretzels stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese.

Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl, letting it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Add salt, chopped rosemary, soft butter, and flour. Knead the dough using a stand mixer or by hand until smooth and elastic. Place it in a warm environment to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough is ready, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, then flatten it with a rolling pin to create a wide strip. Fill the center of each strip with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside.

Boil the Pretzels

Prepare a pot of boiling water with baking soda. One by one, dip each pretzel into the boiling liquid for about 30 seconds. This step ensures the pretzels will have that signature chewy crust once baked. Remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake and Finish

Brush each pretzel with an egg wash, then sprinkle with a combination of garlic powder, Parmesan, rosemary, and a pinch of black pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 16-18 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Brush with melted butter after baking for an extra touch of richness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal Tightly: Make sure the dough is pinched tightly around the cheese to prevent any leaks during baking.
Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor that dried herbs just can’t match, so pick up fresh rosemary if you can.
Chill the Cheese: Freezing the shredded cheese for 20 minutes before stuffing helps it melt slowly and prevents leakage while the pretzels bake.
Don’t Skip the Boil: The baking soda bath is essential for that chewy, traditional pretzel texture, so don’t rush this step!

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?

These pretzels are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a large platter for a stunning presentation. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, marinara, or even a spicy queso for added flavor.

For garnish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and finely chopped rosemary. You can even serve them with a side of warm soup for a comforting meal. Plated as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoyed as a game-day snack, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Nutritional Information

A quick overview of the nutrition per serving of these delicious pretzels.

Calories: 290
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 11 g

Make Ahead and Storage

These pretzels can be prepped and stored for stress-free snacking or entertaining later.

Refrigerate: Unbaked pretzels can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Make sure they’re covered tightly to keep the dough from drying out.
Freeze: Bake the pretzels and allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels make every occasion extra special. Whether you’re baking them for loved ones or treating yourself, you’ll find their cheesy goodness hard to resist! 🥨