Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels (Printable version)
Chewy golden pretzels filled with gooey mozzarella cheese
# List of ingredients:
→ Dough
01 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
03 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
07 - 8 sticks mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block cut into sticks)
→ Poaching Bath
08 - 8 cups water
09 - ½ cup baking soda
→ Topping
10 - 1 large egg, beaten
11 - Coarse salt for sprinkling
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Dissolve sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter and salt to yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, flatten slightly, and place a mozzarella stick in the center. Pinch edges tightly to seal, then shape into classic pretzel form ensuring no cheese is exposed.
06 - Bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
07 - Gently immerse each pretzel in the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
08 - Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
10 - Optionally brush with melted butter while hot for enhanced flavor. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of chewy pretzel dough and gooey cheese center is irresistible
- These freeze beautifully and reheat in the oven for last minute snacks
02 -
- Sealing the dough tightly around the cheese is crucial or cheese will leak into the poaching water
- The baking soda bath is what creates the authentic pretzel flavor and crust, so do not skip it
03 -
- Wear kitchen gloves when handling the baking soda bath, as it can irritate sensitive skin
- Room temperature cheese sticks melt more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge