Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate cheesy snack experience with these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels! Imagine warm, pillowy pretzel dough wrapped around melty mozzarella, finished with a golden, salty crust—this is the kind of treat that disappears minutes after coming out of the oven. Perfect for sharing (or savoring solo with an epic cheese pull), these pretzels blend nostalgic comfort bakery flavors with the surprise of gooey cheese inside. Whether you’re hosting a game day, family movie night, or just satisfying a snack attack, Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels deliver crowd-pleasing flavor in every twisty, pull-apart bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients transform into something truly show-stopping. Every element, from the flour to the cheese, is essential for achieving the signature chewiness, savory depth, and stunning appearance of Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels.

• Warm water: The perfect temperature jumpstarts the yeast, ensuring your pretzels get beautifully fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch helps activate the yeast and balances the saltiness in the dough.
• Kosher salt: Essential for flavor! This brings out the savory, doughy notes and complements the cheese.
• Active dry yeast: This powerhouse ingredient makes your pretzels rise with a soft, pillowy texture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed to contain all that molten mozzarella.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Richness and tenderness—without butter, the dough just isn’t the same.
• Water (for soda bath): A key step for signature pretzel flavor and color.
• Baking soda: The magic behind that classic pretzel crust and deep golden hue.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Nothing compares to the gooey cheese pull you’ll get when you use real string cheese!
• Large egg, beaten: An egg wash creates a glossy, bakery-style finish.
• Coarse sea salt: The irresistibly crunchy, salty topping every soft pretzel needs.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a layer of foamy bubbles—that’s the sign your yeast is awake and ready to give your pretzels their fluffy structure!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add the all-purpose flour and melted butter to your yeast mixture. Use a dough hook, or mix by hand if needed, and bring everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough is silky-smooth and elastic—this step is crucial for that classic chewy, tender pretzel bite.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it well, and let it rise for one hour or until it’s doubled in size. The rising time lets the dough relax and develop flavor, so your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels turn out light and fluffy every time.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

While the dough is rising, get your oven ready by preheating to 450°F (230°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. For authentic pretzel flavor and their iconic crust, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large, deep pot.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Pretzels

When the dough is ready, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and wrap it snugly around a mozzarella stick so the cheese is completely covered—be sure to pinch the ends and seams tightly shut to keep all that gooey cheese inside. Twist each one into a pretzel shape for that signature look!

Step 6: Give Them a Baking Soda Bath

One at a time, carefully dip each formed pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. The soda water gelatinizes the outside of the dough, which is how you get that distinctive, chewy, shiny, deeply golden crust that makes Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the soda-bathed pretzels on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each with beaten egg for shine, then generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until they turn beautifully deep golden brown and you see a little mozzarella peeking out from the seams.

Step 8: Time to Enjoy!

Let your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels cool for just a minute or two before digging in so the cheese isn’t molten lava. Pull one apart and marvel at the epic cheese stretch—snack bliss achieved!

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

Fresh out of the oven, Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are fantastic with a little extra flourish. Try brushing them with a bit of melted butter and sprinkling with Italian seasoning or garlic powder for a flavor boost. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley make for a pop of color and brightness, while a final dusting of parmesan over the salty crust adds irresistible richness.

Side Dishes

Turn these cheesy pretzels into the star of a snack board by pairing them with classic dips like spicy mustard, warm marinara, or even a creamy ranch. For a more substantial spread, add some crunchy veggies or a simple salad on the side, and you’ll have a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for get-togethers or game day.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels high on a rustic wooden board and serve with a trio of flavorful dips for an instant party centerpiece. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for a fun, shareable appetizer. For a twist, go mini and serve them in muffin tins for snackable, pull-apart bites that wow every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to end up with extra Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps prevent them from drying out, so every bite stays soft and satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pretzels cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy a cheesy pretzel fix whenever the craving strikes!

Reheating

Reheat Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is runny again. If you’re in a hurry, a minute or two in the microwave will also do the trick, though the crust will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese?

String cheese is perfect because it’s easy to wrap and provides the best gooey pull, but you can use shredded mozzarella in a pinch. Just tightly pack the shredded cheese and seal your dough well so nothing leaks out when baking.

Do I have to do the baking soda bath?

Yes, the baking soda bath is key! It’s what gives Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels their pretzel flavor, chewy bite, and bronzed exterior. Without it, you’ll end up with more of a basic bread roll.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slows the rise and actually develops even better flavor. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What dipping sauces work best?

The classics like yellow mustard and warm marinara are always hits, but homemade garlic butter, creamy beer cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can totally change the game. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure you wrap the dough completely around the mozzarella and pinch every seam and end tightly closed. If a tiny bit leaks out in the oven, don’t worry—it just adds a little crispy, cheesy edge!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a snack that’s extra special, Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels absolutely deliver in flavor, fun, and wow-factor. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite homemade treat!