Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels (Printable)
Chewy golden pretzels with gooey melted mozzarella centers
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
07 - 8 sticks mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block cut into sticks)
→ Poaching
08 - 8 cups water
09 - ½ cup baking soda
→ Topping
10 - 1 large egg, beaten
11 - Coarse salt for sprinkling
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Dissolve sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, flatten slightly, and place a mozzarella stick in the center. Pinch edges tightly to seal completely, then shape into classic pretzel form ensuring no cheese is exposed.
06 - Bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce to a simmer.
07 - Gently dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
08 - Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
10 - Brush hot pretzels with melted butter for enhanced flavor. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way molten cheese oozes out when you bite into that golden crust is absolutely worth the effort
- Theyre surprisingly forgiving, and even imperfect shapes still taste incredible
02 -
- Sealing the dough around the cheese completely prevents messy leaks in the oven
- The baking soda bath is non negotiable for authentic pretzel flavor and color
03 -
- Work quickly when transferring pretzels from the baking soda bath to maintain their texture
- A silicone baking mat works even better than parchment paper for easy cleanup