Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, golden-brown soft pretzel—especially when it’s hiding a gooey, melty mozzarella center. The crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, and that cheesy surprise in the middle makes every bite feel like a celebration.

this Recipe

I first made these mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels on a snowy weekend, looking for a cozy, satisfying snack to go with a movie marathon. They were such a hit that I now make them anytime we have guests, game nights, or just need a little comfort food. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously satisfying, these pretzels are a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Let’s dive into what makes these cheesy delights so special.

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite snack. These mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels combine all the best things: golden-baked bread, savory melted cheese, and that irresistible salty finish.

First, they’re surprisingly simple to make. If you’ve never made homemade pretzels before, don’t worry—this recipe walks you through every step, and you’ll feel like a baking pro by the end. No fancy equipment or special skills required.

They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or game day snacks. You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable warm, buttery pretzel aroma.

Budget-friendly and kid-approved, these pretzels make a great family cooking project. The dough is fun to shape, the cheese adds excitement, and you can let little hands help with the twisting and stuffing.

Best of all, these pretzels are endlessly customizable. Try adding pepperoni slices for a pizza twist, swap in spicy cheese for extra kick, or brush with garlic butter for an indulgent upgrade. The base recipe is your canvas.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make them.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these pretzels lies in just a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing an essential role in flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour forms the backbone of the dough, giving it structure and softness. Be sure to measure your flour accurately—too much can make the dough stiff and hard to knead. If you have a kitchen scale, this is a great time to use it.

Instant yeast is the driving force behind the soft, puffy texture. It helps the dough rise quickly, meaning you don’t need hours of proofing. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active—if in doubt, test it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.

Mozzarella cheese is the star of the show here. Go for a low-moisture, whole milk block of mozzarella if you can, and cut it into sticks or cubes. Shredded cheese tends to melt out more easily and won’t deliver that satisfying cheesy pull in the middle.

Baking soda is used in the boiling step, and it’s what gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and deep golden color. Don’t skip this—it’s crucial for authentic pretzel flavor and texture.

A bit of butter brushed over the pretzels after baking adds a glossy finish and rich flavor. Use salted butter for an extra savory touch, and sprinkle coarse salt on top for that classic pretzel bite.

You’ll also need a large pot for boiling the pretzels in baking soda water and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A slotted spoon or spatula helps safely transfer the boiled pretzels.

How To Make This Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

Making these stuffed pretzels is easier than you might think, and the process is just as satisfying as the final bite.

Start by making the dough. Combine your warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and let it sit until foamy—this takes about five minutes and ensures the yeast is active. Then stir in the flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes. During this time, you can cut your mozzarella into sticks, prep your baking soda bath, and line your baking sheet. Once the dough has puffed slightly, divide it into equal pieces (usually 8 for larger pretzels or 12 for snack-sized).

Flatten each piece into a rectangle, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and roll it tightly to seal. Then, gently roll the filled rope until it's long enough to form a pretzel shape. Twist into that signature pretzel knot, tucking the ends under and pressing to seal.

Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and carefully add the baking soda. One by one, boil the pretzels for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. This step is what gives them that deep golden hue and chewy crust after baking.

Transfer the boiled pretzels to your baking sheet, brush with an egg wash or melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a hot oven—about 425°F—for 12 to 15 minutes, or until deeply golden and slightly puffed.

Once out of the oven, brush with more melted butter for an extra rich finish. Let them cool slightly (the cheese will be molten!) before serving. The whole process takes about an hour from start to finish, and the payoff is more than worth it.

Storage Options

These mozzarella stuffed pretzels are best eaten fresh, right out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the crust still crisp. But if you have leftovers, don’t worry—they store surprisingly well.

To store at room temperature, allow the pretzels to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for about 1 day. After that, they’re best stored in the fridge.

Refrigerated pretzels will keep for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic or store in a zip-top bag to prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pretzels. Wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes straight from frozen.

To reheat refrigerated pretzels, pop them in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The oven method helps revive that lovely crust, while the microwave gives you quick access to that gooey cheese center.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the filling, toppings, and even the dough to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Swap out the mozzarella for another melty cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina. Want to kick it up a notch? Use pepper jack or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy version.

For a pizza-inspired twist, tuck in a slice of pepperoni or a spoonful of marinara sauce with the cheese. Just be careful not to overfill or the pretzels may burst while baking.

If you’re trying to avoid dairy, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just make sure they’re good melting varieties for that same luscious texture.

Don’t be afraid to play with toppings, either. Instead of salt, try brushing with garlic butter and sprinkling with parmesan. Or go sweet—skip the salt, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert version.

Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start dreaming up all sorts of new combos to try. Whether you stick to classic mozzarella or go wild with your fillings, these soft pretzels are always a crowd-pleaser.

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