If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cheese and the irresistible pull of a soft pretzel, you’re in for a treat. Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are everything you love about fresh-baked pretzels, but with a deliciously cheesy surprise hidden inside. Picture this: a golden, perfectly salted, soft pretzel exterior with the melty, stringy goodness of mozzarella cheese in the center, all elevated by the fragrant notes of rosemary and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Trust me, these pretzels are about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for a cozy night in, or indulging just because, these pretzels are sure to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
These pretzels are more than just a snack—they’re a flavorful, cheesy experience. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Cheesy Goodness
The mozzarella inside each pretzel makes every bite an ooey-gooey delight. It’s the perfect balance of savory dough and melty cheese that will have you going back for more.
Homemade Comfort
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread, and these pretzels fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’ll make you want to skip dinner and just snack all night.
Impressive and Fun to Make
Even though these pretzels look fancy and impressive, they’re actually quite easy to make! It’s a fun process, from shaping the dough to wrapping it around that cheese filling. Plus, your friends and family will be amazed when they take their first bite and discover the mozzarella surprise!
Herb-Infused Flavor
The addition of rosemary and Parmesan adds a gourmet twist to the classic soft pretzel. The rosemary infuses the dough with a fresh, aromatic flavor, and the Parmesan adds that salty, nutty bite you crave.
Crowd-Pleasing
These pretzels are perfect for any occasion—movie nights, parties, or just a fun treat to enjoy by yourself. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside a cold beverage, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
These mozzarella stuffed pretzels come together with a few simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Let’s break it down:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough, giving it structure and the perfect chewy texture that we love in soft pretzels.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for giving the pretzels that light, fluffy interior. It helps the dough rise and become airy and soft.
- Warm water: Helps activate the yeast and make the dough come together.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps feed the yeast and gives the dough a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Salt: A key ingredient for flavor, salt enhances the dough’s taste and helps bring out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the dough a rich flavor and soft texture.
For the Stuffing:
- Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! The mozzarella creates that gooey, stretchy center that makes these pretzels irresistible.
For the Herb-Infused Coating:
- Fresh rosemary: Chopped fresh rosemary gives the dough a fragrant, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salty pretzel crust.
- Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella stuffing.
- Coarse sea salt: The finishing touch! Coarse sea salt adds crunch and brings out all the flavors in the dough.
Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these cheesy, rosemary-infused pretzels:
Make the Pretzel Dough
In a large 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. Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Once ready, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions (about 8-10). Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each rope and pinch the dough around the cheese to completely seal it. Then, shape the dough into a traditional pretzel knot by crossing the ends over each other and twisting them into a circle. Press the ends down to seal the pretzel shape.
Boil the Pretzels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water (this helps give the pretzels their signature golden, chewy crust). Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pretzels to a lined baking sheet.
Coat the Pretzels
In a small bowl, combine the chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan, and sea salt. Brush each pretzel with a little melted butter and then sprinkle the rosemary-Parmesan mixture generously on top.
Bake the Pretzels
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these warm and gooey pretzels right out of the oven! Perfect on their own, or with a side of marinara sauce or mustard for dipping.
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
These cheesy pretzels are the perfect snack on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of accompaniments:
- Marinara Sauce: A classic dip for soft pretzels. The tangy sauce complements the savory rosemary and Parmesan flavors.
- Mustard: Try spicy brown mustard or honey mustard for a little extra zing alongside the warm, cheesy pretzels.
- Salad: Serve them as an appetizer before a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the pretzels.
- Cold Beverage: Pair these pretzels with a cold beer, sparkling water, or even a sweet iced tea.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips for making these pretzels even better:
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works best for this recipe, as it melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy pull.
- Add More Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Make Them Mini: If you’re serving these as appetizers or snacks, try making mini versions of these pretzels for bite-sized goodness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and shape the pretzels ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before boiling and baking.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250-300 (approximate, based on typical ingredients)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the stuffing?
A1: Yes! You can use any melty cheese, like cheddar, gouda, or fontina, for a different flavor.
Q2: Can I freeze these pretzels?
A2: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy.
Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
A3: Be sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to seal it well before boiling and baking.
Q4: Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
A4: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q5: Can I make these pretzels without rosemary?
A5: Absolutely! You can leave out the rosemary or substitute with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
Q6: Can I skip boiling the pretzels?
A6: Boiling gives the pretzels their signature texture, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step. Just brush the pretzels with butter and bake directly.
Q7: Can I make the dough in advance?
A7: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q8: How do I store leftover pretzels?
A8: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Q9: Can I use store-bought dough?
A9: Yes, you can use store-bought pizza or pretzel dough to save time, but the homemade dough adds extra flavor and texture.
Q10: How do I make these pretzels vegan?
A10: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter to make these pretzels vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic snack. With cheesy centers, herb-infused dough, and a golden crust, these pretzels are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special gathering or just enjoying them on a cozy night in, these pretzels are guaranteed to impress. Try them out—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels are the perfect savory snack, with warm, gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough and topped with fragrant rosemary and Parmesan. A crowd-pleasing recipe that will leave everyone asking for more!
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: 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: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope. Place mozzarella cheese at the center of each rope, fold the dough over to enclose the cheese, and shape the rope into a pretzel.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda. Carefully lower the pretzels into the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and place on a baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel with an egg wash (1 beaten egg) and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, Parmesan, and coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience.
- If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, feel free to increase the amount of rosemary used.
- For an extra savory touch, brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg