Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

There’s nothing quite like the chewy, warm goodness of a fresh-baked soft pretzel. This recipe for Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels takes that classic comfort food and elevates it to a whole new level. It’s a delicious and savory twist, with a surprise center of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese and a crunchy, flavorful topping of fresh rosemary and Parmesan. The result is a perfect balance of salty, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors that is absolutely irresistible. These are a fantastic homemade snack, a perfect appetizer for a party, or a satisfying treat for any occasion.

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Why I love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that are both fun to make and delicious to eat, and this one has quickly become a favorite. What I love most is the feeling of creating something so unique and delicious from scratch. The process of making homemade pretzels is surprisingly simple, and the reward is a warm, chewy treat that is far superior to anything you can buy at a store. The gooey mozzarella center is the star of the show—it’s a delightful surprise with every bite. The rosemary and Parmesan topping adds a sophisticated flavor that makes these feel truly gourmet.

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Ingredients

• 221​ 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
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt (for topping)
• 10 cups water (for boiling)
• 1/4 cup baking soda

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Swaps and Notes

• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, giving the pretzels their classic chewy texture. You can also use a small amount of bread flour for an even chewier result.
• Cheese: The combination of mozzarella for a gooey center and Parmesan for a salty, savory topping is perfect. You can also use other cheeses, such as shredded cheddar or provolone for the filling. A little smoked gouda would also be a fantastic choice.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful, fragrant flavor. You can also use other fresh herbs like thyme or a pinch of dried Italian herbs. For a different flavor profile, you could top the pretzels with everything bagel seasoning.
• The Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! This is the secret to giving pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep brown color. It creates an alkaline environment that helps the dough develop a beautiful crust.
• Coarse Salt: Using a coarse salt, like pretzel salt or kosher salt, is essential for a classic pretzel. The larger crystals hold up during baking and provide a wonderful salty crunch.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5−7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
2. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese at the center of each rope. Fold the dough over to enclose the cheese, pinching the seams tightly to seal it. Shape the dough into a classic pretzel shape.
4. Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully lower the pretzels, one or two at a time, into the boiling water. Cook for 1−2 minutes per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Add Toppings: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle with the chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12−15 minutes, or until the pretzels are a beautiful golden brown color.
7. Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Seal the Cheese Tightly: When you are shaping the pretzels, make sure you pinch the dough together firmly to seal the mozzarella cheese inside. This will prevent it from leaking out during the boiling and baking process.
• Don’t Over-Boil: The pretzels only need a short dip in the baking soda bath. Boiling them for too long can make them taste metallic.
• Use a Wire Rack: If you have a wire rack that fits inside your baking sheet, you can place the pretzels on it before baking. This will ensure air circulates around the bottom of the pretzels and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Fresh Rosemary: Using fresh rosemary is key to the flavor of this pretzel. Dried rosemary will work, but it won’t be as fragrant.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These cheesy, savory pretzels are a perfect snack on their own. For dipping, a simple marinara sauce, a garlic butter dipping sauce, or a spicy brown mustard would be delicious. For a party, you could serve them with a warm beer cheese dip.

For a drink pairing, a cold beer or a crisp glass of apple cider would be a perfect complement to the salty, cheesy flavors.

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Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

These are an indulgent and delicious snack or appetizer. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the flour, cheese, and butter. While they are a decadent treat, they are a wonderfully satisfying snack that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun baking project.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of these pretzels are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat them and bring back their crispiness, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a flavorful, easy, and fun snack that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a perfectly chewy pretzel with a gooey mozzarella center and a savory topping is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!