Introduction
Transform humble pretzels into an irresistible culinary masterpiece with this recipe for ooey-gooey mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels. We elevate the classic, taking simple ingredients and crafting a sophisticated appetizer or snack, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a moment of pure, cheesy bliss. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful contrast of the soft, yielding pretzel dough and the molten mozzarella heart within.
Why This Works
This recipe’s magic lies in its perfect balance—the salty, subtly sweet pretzel dough provides the ideal foil for the rich, creamy mozzarella. The ease of preparation belies the luxurious result, making this recipe accessible yet undeniably impressive. The technique ensures a perfectly chewy pretzel exterior and a molten cheese center that truly elevates the experience.
Key Ingredients
- 🥛 1 cup warm milk
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🥄 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌾 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 酵母 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 🧀 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 🥨 1 cup coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine warm milk, egg, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined.
2️⃣ Add yeast and 2 cups of flour; whisk until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
6️⃣ Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. Place mozzarella cubes in the center of each rope.
7️⃣ Fold the dough over the cheese, pinching to seal. Twist the ends gently to form a pretzel shape.
8️⃣ Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9️⃣ Place pretzels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water). Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
🔟 Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Handy Tips
- For extra richness, use a combination of butter and olive oil when melting the butter.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; pretzels need space to expand.
- If your dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Heat Control
Maintaining the oven temperature at 450°F (232°C) is crucial for achieving perfectly browned, crisp pretzels without burning the cheese filling. Lower temperatures will result in pale pretzels and a less-than-melted cheese center.
Crunch Factor
The pretzel exterior should have a delightful crunch, enhanced by the coarse sea salt. The contrast with the soft, yielding dough and the ooey-gooey mozzarella inside creates a truly multi-textural experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker rise, use instant yeast.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to the dough for an unexpected twist.
- Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic variation.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Present your pretzels in a beautiful basket lined with parchment paper, or individually wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon. Consider adding a small card with the recipe for a personalized touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough.
🌟 Spicy Jalapeño: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
🌟 Herb & Cheese: Add a blend of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) and different types of cheese (cheddar, provolone).
🌟 Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Flat pretzels: Ensure your dough has risen adequately. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Undercooked cheese: Reduce the amount of cheese or increase the baking time slightly.
- Burnt pretzels: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F (14°C). Check for doneness earlier.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes. Experiment with other melting cheeses such as provolone or fontina.
- How long do the pretzels last? Stored properly, they’ll last for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them? Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.
Conclusion
Indulge in the exquisite pleasure of these ooey-gooey mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels—a delightful treat that will leave your taste buds singing. Share this recipe with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite of this culinary masterpiece.
Decadent Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels
These soft pretzels are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and are perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110u00b0F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450u00b0F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each rope, fold the dough over, and shape it into a pretzel knot.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian herbs to the dough.
- Serve with marinara or cheese sauce for dipping.