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Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels – Gooey, Cheesy & Homemade

Soft pretzels are already a favorite snack with their chewy, golden crust and buttery flavor. But take it up a notch by stuffing them with mozzarella cheese, and you get the Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels — the perfect fusion of warm pretzels and cheesy breadsticks. These are fantastic for parties, family movie nights, or game-day spreads. With a simple homemade dough, a quick baking soda bath, and a sprinkle of coarse salt, you’ll have bakery-style pretzels right in your kitchen — but with that melty mozzarella surprise inside.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Bake & rise time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 stuffed pretzels
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Fresh Produce:
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
🌾 Dry & Pantry:
  • 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 ¼ tsp
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup baking soda for water bath
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • coarse sea salt for sprinkling
🧈 Dairy:
  • 2 oz unsalted butter melted
  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
💧 Liquids:
  • 11 ½ cups water 1 ½ cups for dough, 10 cups for soda bath

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan (for baking soda bath)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Dough
  1. Warm 1 ½ cups water until about 110°F (lukewarm).
  2. Stir in sugar and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Mix in melted butter, salt, and flour gradually until dough forms.
  4. Knead 5–6 minutes by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
Step 2 – Shape & Stuff Pretzels
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces.
  3. Roll each into a rope about 14–16 inches long.
  4. Wrap each rope around one mozzarella stick, pinching seams closed tightly.
  5. Shape into traditional pretzel twist or logs.
Step 3 – Soda Bath
  1. In a saucepan, bring 10 cups water and ⅔ cup baking soda to a boil.
  2. Carefully drop pretzels in, one at a time, for 20–30 seconds.
  3. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
Step 4 – Bake
  1. Brush pretzels with egg wash.
  2. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
  3. Bake 12–14 minutes, until deep golden brown.
Step 5 – Serve
  1. Brush with melted butter (optional) and serve warm with marinara or ranch dip.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or air fryer 2–3 minutes.
Freeze baked pretzels up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.
🥄 Variations
Garlic Butter: Brush baked pretzels with garlic butter.
Pizza Pretzels: Add pepperoni before wrapping the cheese.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Mini Bites: Cut dough and cheese into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I have to use string cheese?
String cheese melts perfectly and is easy to wrap, but blocks of mozzarella cut into sticks work too.
Why do I need a baking soda bath?
It gives pretzels their chewy texture and golden crust.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight after the first rise.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Marinara, cheese sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.
How do I stop cheese from leaking out?
Pinch dough seams tightly and make sure cheese is fully covered.
Can I make these without yeast?
No, yeast is essential for the soft pretzel texture.
Do I need coarse salt?
Yes, it gives that authentic pretzel bite.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
Can I make them smaller?
Absolutely — make mini mozzarella pretzel bites.
Do they taste like Auntie Anne’s pretzels?
Yes, but with melty cheese inside for extra indulgence.
🏁 Conclusion
These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are everything a snack should be: chewy, golden brown, salty, and filled with gooey cheese. With a simple dough and fun soda bath, you’ll get bakery-style pretzels at home — perfect for parties, family nights, or satisfying that soft pretzel craving.