Description
These homemade soft pretzels are stuffed with gooey mozzarella and topped with fragrant rosemary and savory Parmesan. A perfect combination of soft, chewy dough and rich flavors, great as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 oz unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Fresh rosemary, chopped
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Combine the water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.
- Add the flour and melted butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined.
- Increase the speed to medium and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl, and then oil it well with vegetable oil.
- Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm area for 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Wrap each rope around a cube of mozzarella, making sure to seal the ends tightly.
- Boil the pretzels in the water solution, 2 at a time, for 30 seconds, splashing the tops with the warm water using a spoon.
- Remove with a large slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the pretzels are dark golden brown.
Notes
- You can add more or less rosemary depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for a couple of minutes longer.
- For a fun variation, try using different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for stuffing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes