Description
These warm, pillowy soft pretzels are filled with gooey, melted mozzarella, making them the ultimate snack for any cheese lover. The pretzels are perfectly seasoned with fresh rosemary and topped with grated Parmesan for an irresistible treat. Perfect for parties or as a comforting homemade snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Mozzarella Filling:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Baking Soda Bath:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Topping:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh rosemary leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the salt and flour to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
-
Make the Mozzarella Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the cubed mozzarella, chopped rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.
-
Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope (about 12 inches long). Flatten the rope slightly, then place a spoonful of the mozzarella filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling to encase it, pinching the edges to seal.
- Shape the filled dough into a pretzel shape by twisting the ends and bringing them together, then pressing the ends into the dough.
-
Baking Soda Bath:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).
- Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, one at a time. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the Pretzels:
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Add Toppings:
- After baking, sprinkle the pretzels with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves.
Notes
- These pretzels are best served warm right out of the oven when the mozzarella is still gooey.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable, but the flavor may be slightly different.
- You can freeze the unbaked pretzels after shaping and before boiling. Just allow them to thaw and boil before baking when ready.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American