Here’s a Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe — golden, chewy, cheesy, and perfect as a snack or party appetizer!
🧀 Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels
🍞 Dough Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
🧀 Filling:
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8 sticks of mozzarella string cheese (or cut mozzarella into 3-4” sticks)
🫧 Baking Soda Bath:
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½ cup baking soda
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9 cups water
🧈 Topping:
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1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
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Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
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Optional: garlic butter (2 tbsp melted butter + ½ tsp garlic powder + parsley)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in melted butter and salt, then gradually add flour until a dough forms.
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Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. (By hand or with a dough hook.)
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Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Preheat & Prepare:
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Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cut mozzarella into sticks if not using pre-shaped string cheese.
3. Shape Pretzels:
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Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18–20 inches).
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Flatten the rope slightly, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and pinch edges closed to seal the cheese inside.
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Shape each sealed rope into a pretzel shape.
4. Baking Soda Bath:
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In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add baking soda.
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Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake:
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Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
6. Optional: Brush with Garlic Butter
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Brush hot pretzels with garlic butter immediately after baking for extra flavor.
🧊 Storage Tips:
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Best eaten warm.
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To reheat, place in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.