Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

Introduction

When I first made Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the moment the aroma of fresh rosemary and melted cheese filled the kitchen, I knew I had created something special. The combination of soft, buttery dough, gooey mozzarella, and the aromatic flavor of rosemary was an absolute winner. My family couldn’t stop raving about these pretzels. They’re perfect as an appetizer for a dinner party, a delicious snack during movie night, or even a cozy treat for a family gathering. The crispy, golden crust combined with the molten cheese center makes for an irresistible experience. If you’ve never made soft pretzels before, this recipe is a must-try! It’s surprisingly simple but delivers on flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

• Flavorful Combination: The balance between the savory rosemary, rich Parmesan cheese, and gooey mozzarella creates a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone will love.
• Cheese-Stuffed Goodness: These pretzels aren’t just delicious on the outside—they have a gooey mozzarella center that’s heavenly when pulled apart.
• Soft and Chewy: The dough is soft, buttery, and chewy on the inside with a crisp exterior, just like your favorite pretzel from a bakery.
• Customizable Toppings: You can adjust the amount of rosemary, cheese, or even add other herbs like thyme or garlic to suit your tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day snack, a holiday appetizer, or a cozy treat for yourself, these pretzels are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make these mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ 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
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt (for topping)
• 10 cups water (for boiling)
• ¼ cup baking soda

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and helps the dough rise. After 5 minutes, add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix everything until the dough comes together. Then, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to knead the dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This will give your pretzels that light and airy texture.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese at the center of each rope. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese, ensuring it’s fully enclosed. Shape each dough rope into a pretzel shape by bringing the ends together and twisting them into a classic pretzel shape.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzels

Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add ¼ cup of baking soda. The baking soda helps create a crispy crust on the pretzels. Carefully lower the pretzels into the boiling water, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Whisk the egg and brush it over the top of each pretzel to give them a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle each pretzel with chopped rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of coarse salt.

Step 6: Bake the Pretzels

Place the pretzels in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma of fresh rosemary will fill your kitchen as they bake!

Step 7: Serve

Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving. Once you break open a pretzel, the gooey mozzarella center will be revealed, making for the perfect cheesy bite!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving (one pretzel):

• Serving Size: 1 pretzel
• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve

These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels can be served in various ways to suit your occasion:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these pretzels at a party or gathering with a side of marinara or garlic butter for dipping.
• For Snack Time: Enjoy these soft pretzels on their own as a delicious, cheesy snack.
• At a Game Day Party: These pretzels are perfect for game day! Serve them alongside other snacks like wings or sliders.
• For a Cozy Meal: Pair these pretzels with a warm soup, like tomato soup or a creamy cheese dip, for a comforting meal.

Additional Tips

1. Make the Dough Ahead of Time: You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
2. Experiment with Other Cheeses: While mozzarella is the star, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
3. Add Garlic: For an even richer flavor, add garlic powder to the dough or sprinkle some garlic powder over the pretzels before baking.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: While rosemary adds a lovely fragrance, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or basil for different flavors.
5. Boil with Baking Soda: The baking soda bath is essential for creating the traditional crispy pretzel crust. Don’t skip this step!

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

2. Can I freeze the pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzels after boiling them, before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen.

3. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Fresh rosemary is recommended for the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, dried rosemary will work in a pinch. Just use half the amount.

4. Do I need to use mozzarella cheese?

Mozzarella is the best choice for its gooey texture, but you can substitute it with any other cheese you prefer.

5. How do I shape the pretzels?

Roll the dough into a rope, enclose the cheese in the center, and twist the ends of the dough into a classic pretzel shape. Watch online tutorials if you need guidance!

6. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the pretzels may be denser and slightly less fluffy.

7. How long do the pretzels stay fresh?

These pretzels are best enjoyed the same day, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispness.

8. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes.

9. What’s the best way to serve these pretzels?

Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a creamy cheese dip for extra flavor.

10. Can I add other fillings to the pretzels?

Absolutely! You can add other fillings like bacon, spinach, or even pepperoni for a more savory treat.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and savory herb flavor. They’re a fun and delicious homemade snack that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy evening at home or serving them at a party, these pretzels will be the star of the show. The best part is that they’re easier to make than you might think—so why not give this recipe a try and treat yourself to these delightful, cheesy pretzels today?

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