Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

Homemade Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Pretzels Recipe

Soft, golden pretzels with a mozzarella stuffed rosemary and parmesan twist promise pure comfort in every bite.

Warm dough envelops melty cheese, creating a savory sensation that beckons you closer.

The aroma of fresh rosemary and nutty parmesan wafts through the kitchen, promising an irresistible snack.

These pretzels aren’t just another recipe – they’re a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Each pretzel delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, cheesy interior.

The combination of herbs and cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that elevates simple bread to gourmet status.

Dive into this recipe and transform your next gathering with these irresistible, cheesy delights that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 16-18 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels: What’s Inside

For the Dough Base:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop gluten structure for soft, stretchy texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Creates magical rising action and develops rich, complex bread flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides food for yeast, ensuring perfect fermentation and golden-brown crust.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth for balanced dough development.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation for tender, pillowy pretzel texture.
  • Softened Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and contributes to smooth, velvety dough consistency.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Infuses herbaceous, aromatic notes throughout the pretzel dough.
For the Cheese Filling:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates gooey, stretchy molten center with mild, creamy character.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones and enhances overall cheese complexity.
For Optional Topping:
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds crispy, savory finish with intense umami depth.
  • Chopped Rosemary: Reinforces herbal aromatics and provides visual garnish.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, pungent flavor complexity.
  • Black Pepper: Contributes warm, slightly spicy background note.
  • Salt: Elevates and balances entire flavor profile.
  • Melted Butter: Creates golden, glossy surface and helps seasonings adhere.
For Baking Preparation:
  • Egg Wash: Produces beautiful, shiny golden-brown exterior with professional finish.
  • Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and distinctive chewy exterior.

Essentials for Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

  • Stand mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
  • Dough hook attachment: Specifically designed for mixing and kneading bread dough.
  • Large baking sheets: Needed to bake and arrange pretzels evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents pretzels from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Large pot or Dutch oven: Used for boiling pretzels in baking soda water.
  • Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing pretzels from boiling liquid.
  • Small bowls: Useful for mixing cheese and preparing toppings.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying egg wash and melted butter.
  • Cooling rack (optional): Helps pretzels cool evenly after baking.

How to Bake Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

  • Yeast Activation

Warm water combines with yeast, creating a bubbling mixture that signals the start of our pretzel adventure. This magical process awakens the dormant yeast, preparing it for dough transformation.

  • Dough Creation

Mix flour, rosemary, and softened butter into the yeast blend. Knead the mixture until it becomes a smooth, elastic canvas ready for cheese magic.

  • Rising Time

Let the dough rest in a cozy spot, allowing it to expand and develop rich flavors. The dough will double in size, signaling its readiness for the next stage.

  • Cheese Preparation

Freeze a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, creating a cold cheese filling that will melt perfectly inside the pretzel.

  • Pretzel Shaping

Roll the dough into long ropes, carefully tucking cheese inside. Twist each rope into a classic pretzel shape, sealing the edges to keep the cheesy goodness contained.

  • Boiling Bath

Dip each pretzel briefly in a bubbling water bath, which creates the signature pretzel exterior – crispy and golden.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide the pretzels into a hot oven, watching them turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma of rosemary and melted cheese will fill your kitchen.

  • Final Touch

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with extra parmesan and rosemary. Serve these cheesy delights warm and watch them disappear quickly.

Flavor Boosts for Stuffed Soft Pretzels

  • Chill the cheese mixture beforehand to prevent melting during rolling, ensuring a clean and neat stuffing process.
  • Develop gluten by kneading the dough thoroughly, which creates a better texture and more elastic pretzel shape.
  • Swap mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different flavor profiles and exciting taste combinations.
  • Replace rosemary with thyme, oregano, or basil to create unique herb-infused soft pretzels that match your culinary mood.
  • Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight for a slower, more developed fermentation that enhances the pretzel's flavor complexity.

Serving Up the Mozzarella Soft Pretzels

  • Cheese Lover's Dream Plate: Serve these pretzels alongside a warm marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli for an irresistible dipping experience that brings out the melted mozzarella's rich flavor.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Spread: Arrange the pretzels on a wooden board with small bowls of herb-infused olive oil, sundried tomato pesto, and whipped herb butter for an elegant party starter that impresses guests.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these pretzels in a portable container for outdoor adventures, pairing them with a crisp white wine or craft beer to elevate your casual dining experience.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Split the pretzels in half and stuff with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or smoked salmon for a decadent morning meal that transforms this snack into a hearty breakfast option.

Pretzel Storage and Reheat Ideas

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these cheesy pretzels in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These delicious treats can be frozen for maximum 2 months without losing quality. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold pretzels by warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, making them taste almost freshly baked.
  • Advance Preparation Tip: Prepare pretzel dough up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover and refrigerate the shaped, unboiled pretzels overnight. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure perfect rising and texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Savory mozzarella stuffed rosemary and parmesan soft pretzels offer a gourmet twist on classic street fare. Crisp exterior and melted cheese center make these pretzels an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups warm water (110-115°F / 43-46°C)
  • 1 package rapid rise yeast
  • 6 tbsps unsalted butter (very soft)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 tbsps fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 10 cups water
  • 0.75 cup baking soda
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1.5 tbsps sugar
  • 1.75 tsps salt
  • 0.5 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps melted butter (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly.
  2. Dough Preparation: Integrate chopped rosemary, flour, and softened butter into the yeast mixture, kneading until the dough achieves a smooth, elastic texture.
  3. Proofing Stage: Let the dough rise in a warm location, covered with a damp cloth, until it doubles in volume, roughly one hour.
  4. Cheese Filling: Blend mozzarella and parmesan, then chill in the freezer to maintain structural integrity.
  5. Oven and Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Dough Shaping: Divide the risen dough into eight portions, stretching each into a 16-inch rope, then flattening to about 4 inches wide.
  7. Cheese Enclosure: Distribute frozen cheese mixture along each dough rope, carefully rolling back into a rope and pinching edges to seal the filling completely.
  8. Pretzel Formation: Shape each rope into a classic pretzel design by creating a U-shape, crossing the ends, and securing them to the base.
  9. Boiling Process: Prepare a boiling water and baking soda solution, briefly submerging each pretzel for 30 seconds to develop a distinctive exterior.
  10. Baking and Finishing: Transfer pretzels to prepared baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Seasoning and Serving: Combine parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Once pretzels have rested for five minutes, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Activate Yeast Carefully: Use lukewarm water between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast, ensuring a perfect rise and soft pretzel texture.
  • Prevent Cheese Leakage: Freeze cheese mixture beforehand and seal dough edges tightly to stop melting during boiling and baking process.
  • Master Dough Elasticity: Knead dough until smooth and stretchy, which guarantees better pretzel shape and tender interior.
  • Optimize Boiling Step: Ensure 30-second boiling time in baking soda solution to create that classic pretzel golden-brown exterior and chewy crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star