Description
These irresistible Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels feature a perfectly chewy dough filled with fresh mozzarella, aromatic rosemary, and savory Parmesan cheese. Boiled briefly in a baking soda bath and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful combination of soft interiors and a slightly crisp crust. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these pretzels bring a delightful homemade twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Filling and Topping
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Water Bath
- 4 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Baking soda
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for baking.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the fresh mozzarella cubes, chopped rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese to form the filling.
- Shape the pretzels: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each portion into a 12-14 inch long rope, then flatten slightly.
- Stuff and seal: Place the mozzarella and rosemary filling in the center of each flattened rope. Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal completely, enclosing the filling.
- Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to near boiling, then remove from heat and stir in the baking soda until dissolved.
- Boil the pretzels: Carefully lower each stuffed pretzel into the baking soda water bath for 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
- Place on baking sheet: Using a slotted spoon, remove each pretzel from the water bath and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each pretzel and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves for added flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a rack before serving to enjoy the melty cheese and soft dough.
Notes
- Ensure the water for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Sealing the edges of the pretzels tightly is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking during boiling and baking.
- The baking soda bath is essential to achieve the signature crust and color of traditional pretzels.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried if unavailable, but fresh enhances flavor best.
- Consume pretzels warm for the best stretchy mozzarella experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American