Ah, soft pretzels – is there anything better? I swear, every time I make these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels, I’m whisked away to that cozy street fair vibe, where the scent of freshly baked pretzels wafts through the air and brings everyone together. The crunch of the golden crust, the chewy center, and the gooey, melted mozzarella tucked inside? It’s a hug in snack form! I can’t help but get excited just talking about them!
Every bite of these pretzels brings back memories of my childhood – you know, those chilly days when I’d grab a pretzel from a vendor, perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I thought to myself, “Why not recreate that magic in my kitchen?” And let me tell you, my friends and family have become my biggest fans since I started making these. Whether it’s a game day, a movie night, or simply a Friday treat, these pretzels have a way of making everything feel a little more special. Let’s dive in!
What’s in Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?
Warm Water: This is the base of our yeast mixture! I use water at around 110°F for the yeast to thrive. It’s like giving them a warm bath to wake up before they work their magic.
Active Dry Yeast: This little powerhouse is essential for that fluffy rise. I always trust a reliable brand like Red Star for consistent results.
Granulated Sugar: Just a tablespoon sweetens the deal and nourishes the yeast, helping it kick into gear.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any dough, this helps create that delicious structure. I prefer using King Arthur flour because of its excellent protein content.
Salt: Just a teaspoon to enhance the flavor; you’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
Baking Soda: The secret to that classic pretzel flavor! It gives the pretzels their beautiful brown exterior when boiling.
Large Egg: We’ll beat this and brush it on the pretzels for that shiny finish. For a plant-based option, you can use a whisked flax egg instead.
Coarse Sea Salt: The crowning glory! A sprinkle of this adds just the right amount of saltiness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Because what’s better than warm, melty mozzarella in the center of a soft pretzel? I love using fresh mozzarella sticks for that gooey goodness.
Unsalted Butter: We melt this to brush over the pretzels right after baking for that delightful buttery flavor.
Fresh Rosemary or Herbs: Totally optional, but a sprinkle on top before baking adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Is Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Good for You?
Oh, let’s get real for a second – these pretzels are a treat! But they do have some redeeming qualities:
Mozzarella Cheese: If you’re using part-skim mozzarella, it’s lower in fat and still delicious. It’s also a good source of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients.
Whole Wheat Variation: If you want to up the health factor, you could make these with whole wheat flour, giving you some extra fiber and nutrients.
Now, please remember these are best enjoyed in moderation. With the butter and carbs, a few might be enough, especially if partnered with a side of marinara sauce or even a fresh salad to balance things out!
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
– 2 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 tbsp granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling)
– 1 large egg (for egg wash)
– Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into small sticks)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
– Fresh rosemary or other herbs (optional, for garnish)
*Serves: 8 Pretzels*
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is awake and ready to work!
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then, pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough starts to form.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, because nobody wants a sticky pretzel!
5. In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda (it may fizz a bit).
6. Once the dough is ready, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12-15 inches), flatten it slightly, and place a mozzarella stick in the center. Fold the dough over to encase the cheese and shape it into a pretzel knot.
7. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then retrieve them with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Beat the egg and brush it over each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and any herbs you want.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and irresistible!
10. Remove the pretzels from the oven and brush with melted butter while they are still warm. Serve hot for the ultimate experience.
Twists and Toppings
If you want to get creative, try adding some toppings! Here are a couple of fun ideas:
– **Cheesy Garlic Butter:** Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush over the warm pretzels for a delicious garlic bread flavor.
– **Seasoned Pretzel Bites:** Instead of shaping them as knots, cut the dough into bite-sized pieces and season with everything bagel seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, let’s be honest), store them in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crispiness, and you’re golden!
I can’t wait for you to try these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels! They’ll soon become a household favorite, and I hope they fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and happy moments. Don’t forget to share your experience with me; I love hearing how your creations turn out!
