Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when it comes to the dough and the cheese. I always opt for fresh mozzarella because its creamy texture melts beautifully inside the pretzels. The dough benefits from simple pantry staples, but I find that high-quality flour and a good pinch of salt really elevate the flavor. Like my mom taught me, fresh and simple is the way to go—it lets each component shine without overcomplicating things.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Substitution tips: If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, low-moisture mozzarella works too, but the texture will be a bit firmer. You can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour if you want a chewier bite. For a dairy-free version, try vegan mozzarella alternatives, though the melt won’t be quite the same.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy—this step always reminds me of how my mom knew the dough was ready by the bubbles and smell.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and kosher salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, but keep it soft—not stiff.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. This alkaline bath is key for that classic pretzel crust.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, then shape into a pretzel, leaving the ends untied.
- Place a cube of mozzarella on one half of the rope, then fold the other half over and pinch the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside completely. This step can be a little tricky—make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to avoid leaks.
- Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. The smell from the oven at this stage always brings everyone running!
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to avoid molten cheese burns—though the kids often don’t wait as patiently as I do!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels, recipe, cooking, food
