Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are the ultimate snack or party food, featuring soft, golden-brown dough stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with fragrant rosemary and savory Parmesan. Perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or when you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Surprise: Each bite reveals a melty mozzarella center that will delight cheese lovers.
• Flavorful Topping: The combination of fresh rosemary, Parmesan, and coarse salt takes these pretzels to the next level.
• Fun to Make: Shaping the pretzels and boiling them is an enjoyable activity, perfect for baking enthusiasts.
• Versatile: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or pair with soups and dips for a complete meal.
• Impressive Yet Simple: They look stunning but are surprisingly easy to make.

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
  (Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise

1. 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

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
3. 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.
4. Shape the dough into a pretzel shape.

Boil the Pretzels

1. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
2. Carefully lower the pretzels into the boiling water, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side.
3. Remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Toppings

1. Brush each pretzel with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.

Bake

1. 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!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8

Variations

• Cheddar Option: Substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with thyme or oregano instead of rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
• Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle garlic powder on top before baking.
• Sweet Pretzels: Skip the rosemary and Parmesan, and instead brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
• Stuffing Swap: Try filling the pretzels with cream cheese or pepperoni slices for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked pretzels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave individual pretzels for 30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

2. Can I skip the boiling step?

Boiling gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy texture, so it’s highly recommended.

3. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

4. Can I make mini pretzels instead?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time accordingly.

5. How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the dough is tightly sealed around the mozzarella before shaping into pretzels.

6. What dipping sauces go well with these pretzels?

Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy cheese dip for added indulgence.

7. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture may be denser. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.

9. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better.

10. How do I get an even golden-brown finish?

Ensure even brushing of the egg wash across the entire pretzel surface.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are a delightful combination of chewy pretzel dough, gooey cheese, and savory toppings. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Try them today and savor the irresistible aroma and flavors of this homemade treat!

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