Mozzarella Pretzel Recipe

There's something magical about pulling apart a warm mozzarella pretzel and watching that stretchy cheese create the perfect pull. This mozzarella pretzel recipe transforms ordinary pretzel dough into an irresistible cheesy snack that's perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you're craving something comforting. I've been making this mozzarella pretzel recipe for years, and it never fails to impress guests with its soft, chewy texture and gooey cheese center.

What makes this mozzarella pretzel recipe stand out is how surprisingly simple it is to create bakery-quality results at home. You don't need fancy equipment or professional skills; just follow these straightforward steps and you'll have golden, cheese-stuffed pretzels that taste better than anything you'd buy at the mall.

Background & Why This Mozzarella Pretzel Recipe Stands Out

Traditional soft pretzels are delicious on their own, but stuffing them with melted mozzarella takes them to a whole new level. This mozzarella pretzel recipe combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying chew of a perfectly baked pretzel with the creamy, stretchy goodness of real mozzarella cheese. The secret lies in using the right dough consistency and sealing the cheese properly so it stays inside during baking.

What really sets this mozzarella pretzel recipe apart is the baking soda bath technique, which gives the pretzels that distinctive deep brown color and slightly tangy flavor. Meanwhile, the mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella melt beautifully inside, creating pockets of gooey cheese that burst with flavor in every bite. Whether you're hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Mozzarella Pretzel Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Makes All the Difference
• FAQ
• Time to Get Baking
• Related
• Pairing
• Mozzarella Pretzels Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough

• Warm water (110°F)
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast (1 packet)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheese Filling

• Mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes or use mozzarella pearls)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Baking Soda Bath

• Water
• Baking soda

For Topping

• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt
• Melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional: garlic powder, parmesan cheese

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
3. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
4. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Pretzels

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces for regular-sized pretzels or 24 pieces for pretzel bites.
3. Roll each piece into a long rope about 18-20 inches long.
4. Flatten the rope slightly with your palm and place small cubes of mozzarella cheese down the center.
5. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the seam tightly to seal it completely.
6. Shape the filled rope into a classic pretzel shape by forming a U, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.

Step 3: Boil in Baking Soda Bath

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble up).
3. Gently lower 2-3 mozzarella pretzel pieces at a time into the boiling water.
4. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. This mozzarella pretzel baking soda bath creates that signature golden-brown color and chewy texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Brush each boiled pretzel generously with the beaten egg wash.
2. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of each pretzel.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
5. Let the pretzels cool for 3-5 minutes before serving (the cheese will be extremely hot).
6. Serve your mozzarella pretzel warm for the best stretchy cheese experience.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your mozzarella pretzel just right requires a few insider techniques. Here are my tried-and-true tips for success:

• Dough Consistency Matters The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time. The right texture makes shaping and sealing much easier.
• Cheese Preparation Cut your mozzarella into small cubes rather than large chunks. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the pretzel and are less likely to burst through the dough during baking. Pat the cheese cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Sealing is Critical The most important step is sealing that seam tightly. Pinch the dough firmly and roll the seam against your work surface to ensure it stays closed. Any gaps will allow cheese to leak out during baking.
• Water Temperature Use a thermometer to check that your water is around 110°F for activating the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won't activate it properly.
• Don't Skip the Bath The baking soda bath isn't optional; it's what gives pretzels their distinctive flavor and color. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding your pretzels.
• Egg Wash for Color A good egg wash creates that beautiful shiny, golden-brown exterior. Beat the egg thoroughly and brush it on generously before baking.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This versatile mozzarella pretzel recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary needs.

• Cheese Variations While mozzarella is classic, try mixing in cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for different flavor profiles. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for extra sharpness. For a truly decadent version, use cultured mozzarella cheese for enhanced flavor.
• Make it Spicy Add diced jalapeños alongside the mozzarella or mix red pepper flakes into the dough. You can also brush the finished pretzels with garlic butter and sprinkle with crushed red pepper.
• Herb Infused Knead dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning directly into the dough for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs can burn, so stick with dried versions.
• Sweet Version Transform this savory mozzarella pretzel into a dessert by omitting the salt and cheese, then filling with cream cheese and cinnamon sugar instead. Brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar after baking.
• Gluten-Free Option Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads (like Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1). The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Pretzel Bites Cut the dough into smaller pieces and create mozzarella pretzel bites instead of full-sized pretzels. These are perfect for parties and take only 8-10 minutes to bake.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes preparing this mozzarella pretzel recipe much easier.

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing and rising the dough
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional): Saves time on kneading, though hand-kneading works great too
• Large Pot: Needed for the baking soda bath; make sure it's at least 6 quarts
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For safely removing pretzels from boiling water
• Baking Sheets: Two half-sheet pans lined with parchment paper
• Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash and melted butter
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Helps ensure water temperature is perfect for yeast activation
• Kitchen Scale (optional): For dividing dough into equal portions

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your mozzarella pretzel fresh and delicious for days.

• Room Temperature Storage Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Don't refrigerate them, as this makes the dough tough and chewy in the wrong way.
• Freezing Instructions These pretzels freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Place wrapped pretzels in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Make-Ahead Options You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping. Alternatively, shape the filled pretzels and refrigerate them before the baking soda bath; just boil and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
• Reheating Tips Reheat leftover mozzarella pretzel in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore the crispy exterior and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the dough rubbery. Brush with a little melted butter after reheating for the best texture.

FAQ

Time to Get Baking

This mozzarella pretzel recipe proves that bakery-quality treats are absolutely achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of soft, chewy pretzel dough and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible snack that works for any occasion. Whether you're planning a party, looking for the perfect game day appetizer, or simply craving comfort food, this mozzarella pretzel delivers every time.

Don't stop at just pretzels; expand your culinary repertoire with other crowd-pleasing recipes. Try my Steak Tortellini Recipe for an elegant dinner option, or whip up Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls Recipe for a flavor-packed meal. Each of these recipes brings restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen, just like this amazing mozzarella pretzel recipe.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this mozzarella pretzel recipe: