Introduction
Transform simple ingredients into a delightful treat the whole family will adore with these ooey-gooey mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels! Forget store-bought – these homemade pretzels are unbelievably soft, perfectly salty, and bursting with melty cheese in every bite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a party!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it delivers the perfect balance of salty and cheesy goodness. The soft pretzel dough is incredibly easy to work with, even for beginner bakers, and the mozzarella filling adds a delightful surprise with every chew. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying – the perfect comfort food!
Key Ingredients
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🥄 1 teaspoon sugar
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 酵母 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 🌾 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧀 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 🥨 1/2 cup coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm milk, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined.
2️⃣ Sprinkle yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
3️⃣ Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6️⃣ Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
7️⃣ Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope. Place about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center of each rope.
8️⃣ Fold the dough over the cheese, pinching the edges to seal. Form into a pretzel shape.
9️⃣ Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
🔟 In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of water.
1️⃣1️⃣ Carefully place pretzels into the baking soda mixture, allowing them to soak for 30 seconds on each side. This gives them that beautiful deep brown color!
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove pretzels and let the excess drip off. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
1️⃣3️⃣ Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Handy Tips
- If your dough is too sticky, don’t panic! Just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes workable.
- For perfectly shaped pretzels, watch some online videos! It takes a little practice, but it’s worth it.
Heat Control
Baking at 450°F (232°C) ensures the pretzels get wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying soft and chewy on the inside. If you bake them at a lower temperature, they might not brown properly, and if you bake them at a higher temperature, they might burn before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
The coarse sea salt provides a delightful crunch that complements the soft pretzel perfectly. The contrast in texture is one of the things that makes these pretzels so addictive!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or onion powder to the dough.
- Brush the baked pretzels with melted butter for extra richness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they still taste amazing the next day!
Gift Packaging Ideas
These pretzels make a wonderful gift! Package them in a pretty cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or a festive gift box.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Cheddar: Use shredded sharp cheddar cheese and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
🌟 Everything Bagel: Sprinkle the pretzels with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
🌟 Roasted Garlic & Parmesan: Mix roasted garlic into the dough and top with grated Parmesan cheese after baking.
🌟 Pepperoni Pizza Pretzels: Add small pieces of pepperoni to the dough along with the mozzarella.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky: Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Pretzels are too pale: Bake for a few more minutes.
- Pretzels are burnt: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and watch them closely.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can shape the pretzels ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I know when the yeast is activated?
A: The yeast mixture will become foamy and bubbly after 5-10 minutes, indicating it’s alive and ready to work its magic!
Q: Why do I need to soak the pretzels in the baking soda solution?
A: Soaking them gives them that characteristic deep brown color and creates a slightly chewy texture.
Q: Can I freeze these pretzels?
A: Yes! Bake them as directed, cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These ooey-gooey mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels are guaranteed to impress! They’re the perfect combination of salty, cheesy, and perfectly soft. Make a batch today and share the deliciousness with your family and friends – they’ll thank you for it! Don’t forget to share your creations on RateMyRecipes.com!
Cheesy Pull-Apart Pretzel Bites
Delicious bite-sized pretzel bites filled with gooey cheese, perfect for snacking or parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm water (110u00b0F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425u00b0F (220u00b0C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and place a small amount of cheese in the center. Pinch the dough to seal and form a ball.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or herbs to the dough.
- Serve with mustard or cheese dip for a delicious accompaniment.