Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp); 1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C); 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 12 sticks of low-moisture mozzarella cheese; ⅔ cup baking soda; 8 cups water; 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water; Coarse sea salt

Golden, chewy on the outside and oozing with molten cheese on the inside—these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the definition of irresistible. Imagine biting into a perfectly twisted pretzel only to discover a warm, stretchy core of gooey mozzarella. The coarse salt on top adds just the right touch of crunch and contrast to the smooth, savory filling. It’s comfort food with a twist—literally.

These soft pretzels make the ultimate snack for game days, parties, or cozy evenings when you’re craving something indulgent. Whether you dip them in mustard, marinara, or enjoy them straight from the oven, they never fail to satisfy. Once you’ve tried these, plain pretzels just won’t cut it anymore.

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Cheese Lover’s Dream: Each bite delivers gooey, melted mozzarella encased in a tender yet slightly crisp crust.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties or family nights—these pretzels are always a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake fresh when ready to impress.
Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or different cheeses for your own signature twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

Before diving into the world of buttery, cheesy pretzels, assembling your tools is key to a smooth prep session. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl for combining your dough ingredients. It gives ample space for kneading and rising.
Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (Optional): Speeds up the kneading process, ensuring consistent texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is crucial in baking—accurate measurements ensure your dough rises properly.
Rolling Pin: Helps flatten the dough before you stuff it with cheese.
Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: For evenly portioning your pretzel dough.
Baking Sheet: Where the magic happens—line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Large Pot for Water Bath: Essential for the traditional baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature crust.
Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Makes removing the pretzels from the water bath easy and safe.
Pastry Brush: For brushing on egg wash or melted butter for that golden finish.

Preparation Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, butter, and milk (if used) come to room temperature before starting. This helps the yeast activate more effectively.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. This ensures a soft and airy interior.
Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: It melts beautifully without releasing too much water, which can make your pretzels soggy.
Seal Tightly: When wrapping the dough around the mozzarella, pinch edges well to avoid cheese leaks during baking.
Chill the Cheese: Briefly freezing the mozzarella sticks before stuffing helps them hold shape and reduces oozing.

Ingredients for This Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

To create these ultra-satisfying soft pretzels filled with gooey mozzarella, you’ll need both dough and filling components, as well as a few extras for boiling and topping. Here’s the complete list:

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

12 sticks of low-moisture mozzarella cheese (or cut from a block into 3-inch sticks)

For the Baking Soda Bath:

⅔ cup baking soda
8 cups water

For the Topping:

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Optional: A pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for added flair.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by the flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead for about 7–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes in the mixer) until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope, then flatten it slightly.

Place a mozzarella stick in the center of each rope, fold the dough over, and seal tightly to enclose the cheese. Shape into a classic pretzel form or a simple knot, ensuring all seams are pinched well to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Baking Soda Bath

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and slowly add the baking soda (careful—it will bubble).

Working in batches, place each pretzel into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Topping

Brush each pretzel with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. You can also add a touch of garlic powder or black pepper if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden brown and the cheese just begins to ooze out.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly on a rack, but they’re best enjoyed warm—while the cheese is still wonderfully melty inside.

Notes

Make Ahead Option: You can shape the pretzels and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just allow them to come to room temperature before boiling and baking.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Soft or Crispy?: For a softer crust, reduce the baking time slightly and skip the egg wash. For crispier tops, add a bit more egg wash and bake a minute or two longer.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe works with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different.
Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive their texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overproofing the Dough: Letting the dough rise too long can make it airy and hard to shape. Keep it to about 1 hour or until just doubled.
Undissolved Baking Soda: Add baking soda to the boiling water slowly and stir well. Clumps can give the pretzels a soapy taste.
Skipping the Water Bath: This step is what gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and flavor. Don’t skip it!
Loose Seals: If you don’t tightly seal the dough around the cheese, it will leak during baking.
Too Much Flour on the Surface: Excess flour can prevent the dough from sealing well or rolling smoothly. Use just a light dusting.
Using Fresh Mozzarella: It has high moisture content and may cause soggy dough. Stick to low-moisture blocks or sticks.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Leave space between pretzels to ensure even browning and no sticking.
Underbaking: Pulling them out too early results in a doughy center. Wait until they’re golden brown with slightly crisp tops.

What to Serve With Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are indulgent on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with complementary dips, drinks, and sides. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, these pairings will round out your snacking or meal experience.

8 Recommendations:

1. Warm Marinara Sauce

A classic Italian touch—perfect for mimicking the flavor of mozzarella sticks with a pretzel twist.

2. Honey Mustard Dip

The tangy sweetness balances the salty crust and rich cheese interior beautifully.

3. Beer Cheese Sauce

Creamy, sharp, and savory—beer cheese makes for a luxurious dip that complements the pretzel’s chewy exterior.

4. Ranch Dressing or Garlic Aioli

Cool, herby ranch or a garlicky aioli offers a nice contrast and is a favorite among crowds.

5. Spicy Buffalo Sauce

For those who love a fiery kick, dip your pretzel into buffalo sauce and enjoy the heat-meets-cheese explosion.

6. Tomato Soup

A cozy comfort food combo—dip your cheesy pretzel into a hot bowl of tomato soup for a warming, savory experience.

7. Sparkling Lemonade or Craft Beer

Crisp drinks like lemonade balance the rich cheese, while beer enhances the pretzel’s flavor in classic pub-style.

8. Pickled Vegetables or Olives

A little acidity goes a long way. Serve a side of pickled veggies or olives for a refreshing bite between cheesy mouthfuls.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key—whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers.

Room Temperature (Short-Term):

Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. However, note that the cheese may begin to harden and the texture may change slightly.

Refrigerator (Mid-Term):

For storage up to 3–4 days, place pretzels in a sealed container in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore their chewy texture and remelt the cheese.

Freezer (Long-Term):

Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per pretzel (based on a recipe yield of 12):

Calories: ~280 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 720mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on cheese type, portion size, and added toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of homemade pretzel dough?

Yes, you can substitute with pizza dough in a pinch. However, the flavor and texture won’t have that signature pretzel chew and crust unless you still use the baking soda bath.

2. Why is my cheese leaking out during baking?

This often happens if the dough isn’t sealed tightly around the mozzarella. Make sure all seams are pinched shut and the cheese is fully encased before boiling and baking.

3. Can I skip the baking soda bath?

It’s not recommended. The bath gives the pretzels their deep color and classic chewy crust. Without it, your pretzels will resemble soft rolls more than authentic pretzels.

4. What type of mozzarella works best?

Low-moisture mozzarella sticks or block mozzarella cut into sticks are ideal. Avoid fresh mozzarella—it contains too much water and can make the dough soggy.

5. How do I get an extra golden crust?

Use a well-beaten egg yolk for the wash and bake the pretzels in a fully preheated oven. You can also broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work. The texture might be a bit denser, but still tasty.

7. Are these pretzels freezer-friendly after baking?

Absolutely. Cool them completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in the oven to restore texture and melt the cheese again.

8. Can I add toppings like garlic or herbs?

Definitely. Sprinkle on garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even everything bagel spice after the egg wash for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and culinary fun. Their golden, chewy crust wrapped around melty, savory cheese makes them a showstopper for any gathering—or a satisfying treat just for yourself. With simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can master these pretzels at home and make snack time unforgettable. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated to perfection, they’ll always hit the spot.