There’s something magical about warm, homemade pretzels, fresh out of the oven golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and infused with the irresistible aroma of rosemary and Parmesan. But wait, it gets even better! These pretzels are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, making every bite an explosion of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a party, or just because you’re craving something delicious, trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.
Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
Here’s the magic of these pretzels they’re made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Flour: The foundation of soft, chewy pretzels. Opt for all-purpose flour or bread flour for the best texture.
Yeast: The secret to that perfect rise. Active dry yeast or instant yeast works well.
Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast, giving the dough its soft and airy texture.
Sugar: A little sweetness balances the flavors and feeds the yeast.
Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
Butter: Adds richness and softness to the pretzels.
Rosemary: Fresh or dried, it infuses a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that makes these pretzels irresistible.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty heart of each pretzel—pure indulgence!
Baking Soda Bath: A classic step that gives pretzels their signature chewy crust.
Egg Wash: Ensures a golden, glossy finish.
Instructions Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature. This ensures even cooking and gives your pretzels the perfect texture.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, melted butter, and rosemary. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Divide and Stuff: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a mozzarella chunk in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges tightly.
Shape the Pretzels: Roll each stuffed dough ball into a rope, then twist into a classic pretzel shape.
Baking Soda Bath: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Dip each pretzel into the solution for about 30 seconds, then place on a lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash & Toppings: Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before indulging in the cheesy, herby goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
These pretzels pair wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a spicy mustard dip for extra flavor.
Soup Pairing: Enjoy with a bowl of warm tomato soup or creamy cheese soup for a comforting meal.
Snack Platter: Add them to a snack board with cured meats, fruits, and nuts for an elevated appetizer.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by making the dough in advance and refrigerating it overnight. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a bolder taste. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes! Try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Can I freeze these pretzels? Absolutely! Freeze baked pretzels and reheat when needed.
- Do I need the baking soda bath? Yes, it gives the pretzels their chewy texture and deep color.
- Can I make mini versions? Definitely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust baking time.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Can I skip the egg wash? You can, but it won’t be as glossy and golden.
- Can I add toppings? Yes! Try sesame seeds, coarse salt, or even a drizzle of honey.
- How do I make them extra soft? Don’t overbake, and brush with melted butter after baking.
- Can I make the dough in a stand mixer? Yes, use the dough hook for easy kneading.
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are everything you could want in a homemade treat cheesy, herby, buttery, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give them a try, and let the warm, cheesy goodness bring joy to your kitchen!
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Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
hese Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are a savory, cheesy delight. The soft, golden-brown pretzels are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with fresh rosemary and grated Parmesan, making them perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party treat. The boiled pretzel dough gives them that signature chewy texture, while the rosemary and Parmesan add incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
- For boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let the dough rise:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. - Shape the pretzels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese along the center of each rope. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal.
Shape the dough into a pretzel shape. - Boil the pretzels:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
Carefully lower the pretzels into the boiling water, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side.
Remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Add toppings:
Brush each pretzel with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg.
Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. - Serve:
Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the melty mozzarella center and flavorful toppings!
Notes
- Dough Rise: Make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise so the pretzels are light and fluffy.
- Cheese: You can use different cheeses for the filling (e.g., cheddar) if desired.
- Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg