Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels recipe! These soft and chewy pretzels are filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, creating a delightful snack or appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy treat, these homemade pretzels are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 10 cups water
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 equal pieces
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle and place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and seal the edges.
6. Cook the Pretzels: Drop each stuffed dough ball into the boiling water mixture and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Add Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and serve warm. Pair with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 1240mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 9g

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serve Warm: These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the pretzels are at their freshest.
2. Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for added flavor. The tanginess of marinara sauce complements the cheesy pretzels perfectly.
3. Party Snack: These pretzels are a hit at parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing snack that will disappear quickly.
4. Store Properly: If you have leftovers, allow the pretzels to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
5. Reheat: To reheat the pretzels, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place them on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pretzels soggy.
6. Freezing: These pretzels can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the pretzels ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature before boiling and baking as directed.
8. Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese to the pretzels before baking for added flavor and texture.
9. Portion Control: If serving at a party, consider cutting the pretzels into smaller pieces to make them more bite-sized and easier to handle.
10. Enjoy Fresh: While these pretzels can be stored, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that irresistible combination of warm, cheesy goodness and soft, chewy pretzel texture.