If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic soft pretzels, these Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are the perfect choice. Combining the rich flavors of mozzarella, aromatic rosemary, and savory Parmesan with the chewy texture of homemade pretzels, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mozzarella-stuffed pretzels bring a savory surprise in every bite. The melty mozzarella cheese center paired with the fragrant rosemary and Parmesan crust makes for an unforgettable snack. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these indulgent soft pretzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
- For the filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir to form a dough, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the pretzels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18 inches long). Place a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each rope, then fold the dough over the cheese, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Form pretzel shapes: Shape each stuffed dough rope into a pretzel by crossing the ends over each other and twisting them into a knot. Pinch the ends firmly to seal.
- Boil the pretzels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the water, boiling for 30 seconds before removing with a slotted spoon and placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the pretzels: Brush the tops of each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, with the gooey mozzarella center and flavorful rosemary Parmesan topping.
Tips for Success
- Yeast Activation: Make sure the water is warm (but not too hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Cheese: Use high-quality mozzarella for a smoother, creamier filling.
- Fresh Rosemary: For the best flavor, use fresh rosemary rather than dried for the topping.
Variations to Try
- Cheese Filling: Add other types of cheese like cheddar or fontina for different flavors.
- Herb Options: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano for unique variations.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair with a tangy marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip for extra indulgence.
Storing Leftovers
These mozzarella-stuffed pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their chewy texture and gooey center.
Why This Recipe is Perfect
Perfect for a cozy snack, party platter, or a unique addition to a homemade meal, Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels offer the ultimate comfort food experience. The cheesy, herby filling combined with the warm, soft pretzel dough creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed on your own or shared with friends, these soft pretzels will quickly become a family favorite.
Serving and Storage Tips for Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
Serving Tips:
- Warm is Best: Serve the pretzels warm to enjoy the gooey mozzarella center and the soft, fluffy dough. If reheating, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair your pretzels with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor. Marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing make great choices. For a savory touch, try a creamy cheese dip or a spicy mustard sauce.
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of extra fresh rosemary or grated Parmesan right before serving for an aromatic and flavorful garnish.
- Perfect for Parties: These stuffed pretzels are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or even as an appetizer. They can be cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing.
- Pair with Drinks: Serve with your favorite beverages like a cold beer, a glass of white wine, or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful snack experience.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep the pretzels soft but be sure to eat them within this time frame for the best taste and texture.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them for a longer period, place them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get the outside crispy and the cheese inside melty again.
- Freezing: These pretzels freeze well for up to 3 months. Allow the pretzels to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating Tip: If reheating from the fridge or freezer, use the oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave. This helps to keep the pretzels’ texture crispy and prevents the cheese from becoming too runny.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels fresh and flavorful every time!
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Yes, you can customize the filling by using other types of cheese. Cheddar, fontina, or provolone are great alternatives to mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities of the cheese will vary, so choose a cheese that melts well to get the best gooey center.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping the pretzels.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the pretzels? To prevent the mozzarella from leaking out, be sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly around the cheese filling. If needed, slightly roll the dough over the cheese to ensure a secure seal. Additionally, boiling the pretzels before baking helps the dough to firm up, making it less likely for the cheese to escape.
- Can I make these pretzels without the rosemary? Yes! If you’re not a fan of rosemary or prefer a different flavor, you can skip the rosemary and Parmesan topping. You can try other herbs like thyme, oregano, or even garlic powder for an alternative flavor profile. The pretzels will still be delicious!
Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are golden, soft, and bursting with gooey cheese in every bite. Infused with the fragrant flavor of rosemary and topped with Parmesan, they’re a savory treat perfect for snacks, appetizers, or game day!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients
Makes 8 pretzels
- For the pretzel dough:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the filling:
- 8 sticks of mozzarella cheese (about 4 inches each, or cut from a block)
- For the water bath:
- 10 cups water
- 1/2 cup (120 g) baking soda
- For topping:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough:
- Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the water bath:
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Shape the pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. Flatten slightly and place a mozzarella stick in the center. Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal. Shape into a pretzel or a simple loop.
- Boil the pretzels:
- Working in batches, drop each pretzel into the boiling water bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Top and bake:
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- For extra gooey cheese, use fresh mozzarella and cut it into sticks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- For added flavor, drizzle with garlic butter before serving.