Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels, especially when they’re filled with gooey mozzarella and topped with fragrant rosemary and Parmesan. These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and cheesy, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer for any occasion. The soft dough is infused with the rich flavors of rosemary and Parmesan, while the hidden mozzarella surprise adds a melty, gooey center that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply treating yourself, these pretzels are sure to impress.

Making soft pretzels at home may seem intimidating, but with this simple recipe, you’ll be able to craft perfect pretzels from scratch. The dough is easy to work with and can be customized with additional seasonings or fillings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different flavor combinations. These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are a delicious twist on the classic, offering a satisfying balance of flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheese Filled Surprise

The mozzarella cubes hidden inside the pretzels create a gooey, melty center that takes these soft pretzels to the next level.

2. Crispy and Chewy Texture

Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water before baking gives them a golden-brown, crispy crust with a soft and chewy interior, just like your favorite pretzel shop.

3. Perfectly Seasoned

Fresh rosemary and Parmesan cheese not only add delicious flavor to the pretzels but also enhance the overall aroma, making these pretzels even more tempting.

4. Customizable

You can add other fillings or toppings, such as garlic butter, sesame seeds, or even different types of cheese, to tailor these pretzels to your taste.

5. Impressive Yet Easy

This recipe combines simple ingredients and techniques, making it an impressive yet easy treat to bake from home. It’s great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a snack.

Ingredients

Warm water
Sugar
Kosher salt
Active dry yeast
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter, melted
Water (for boiling)
Baking soda
Egg yolk
Fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
Fresh rosemary, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

1. Add Garlic Butter

For an extra burst of flavor, brush the pretzels with garlic butter after baking, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

2. Use a Different Cheese

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone. Each offers a unique flavor that complements the rosemary and Parmesan.

3. Herb Variations

If you prefer a different herb, thyme or oregano can be used instead of rosemary, adding a different aromatic layer to the pretzels.

4. Sweet Version

For a sweet version, fill the pretzels with chocolate or cinnamon sugar, and skip the savory toppings for a delicious dessert pretzel.

5. Vegan Option

To make these pretzels vegan, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese and use non-dairy butter for the dough and topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the flour and melted butter, mixing on low speed until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and knead for about 4-5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl, and grease it with vegetable oil. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 50-55 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Boil the Water Solution

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each rope and wrap the dough around it, ensuring the ends are sealed tightly to encase the cheese.

Step 5: Boil the Pretzels

Boil the pretzels in the baking soda water, two at a time, for about 30 seconds, splashing the tops with the boiling water using a spoon to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Using a large slotted spoon, remove the pretzels from the boiling water and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary and grated Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake the Pretzels

Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, with or without your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t rush the rising process: Be sure to allow the dough plenty of time to rise for the best texture and flavor.
Seal the pretzels tightly: Make sure the dough is sealed around the mozzarella to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
Boil two pretzels at a time: Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling the pretzels to ensure they cook evenly.
Use a pizza stone: For an even crispier crust, bake the pretzels on a preheated pizza stone.

How to Serve

These mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with various dips such as:

Marinara sauce
Garlic butter
Mustard or honey mustard
Creamy ranch dressing

They also make an excellent side to soups or salads, or as part of a fun snack spread for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pretzels cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat pretzels in the oven rather than the microwave, as it helps to retain their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works perfectly fine for this recipe, just be sure to activate it in warm water first.

2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area. If your dough doesn’t rise, try increasing the resting time.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

4. Can I use a stand mixer for the entire process?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

5. Is it necessary to boil the pretzels before baking?

Yes, boiling the pretzels in the baking soda solution gives them their signature chewy texture and deep golden color.

6. Can I make these pretzels without mozzarella?

Yes, you can fill them with other fillings like cheddar cheese, pepperoni, or even chocolate for a sweet variation.

7. Can I add toppings before baking?

You can sprinkle additional toppings, such as coarse salt or garlic powder, before baking if you want more flavor.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Let it rise first, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping and boiling.

9. How do I know when the pretzels are done baking?

The pretzels should be a deep golden brown and crisp on the outside. If they are too soft, they may need a few more minutes in the oven.

10. What can I serve with these pretzels?

These pretzels pair well with dips like marinara, mustard, or garlic butter, and they make a great addition to any meal.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic pretzel, bringing together gooey cheese, aromatic herbs, and a perfect balance of textures. These pretzels are not only a fun and tasty treat, but they also make a great snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, they’re sure to be a hit every time.