Mozzarella-Stuffed Parmesan Pretzels 🧀🥨
Soft, chewy pretzels stuffed with gooey mozzarella, coated in buttery Parmesan, and baked to golden perfection. The ultimate cheesy, salty snack!
Ingredients (Makes 8 pretzels)
For the Dough:
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1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
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1 tbsp sugar
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2 tsp active dry yeast
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2¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour (+ extra for dusting)
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for dough)
For the Filling & Topping:
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8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, rolled into logs)
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¼ cup (60g) butter, melted (for brushing)
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½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
For the Baking Soda Bath (Optional, for Classic Pretzel Crust):
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6 cups (1.4L) water
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¼ cup (60g) baking soda
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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Activate yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast. Let sit 5 mins until foamy.
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Mix dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and Parmesan. Add yeast mixture + melted butter.
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Knead: Mix until a dough forms, then knead 5-7 mins (by hand or mixer) until smooth.
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Let rise: Cover and let rise 1 hour (or until doubled).
2. Shape & Stuff
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Divide dough: Roll into 8 equal balls.
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Flatten & stuff: Stretch each ball into a 6-inch rope, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and pinch dough tightly to seal.
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Form pretzels: Roll into 14-inch ropes, twist into a pretzel shape (or leave as sticks for easier prep).
3. Bake (Two Options)
Option 1: Classic Boiled Pretzel Method (Extra chewy crust!)
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Boil water + baking soda in a pot. Boil each pretzel 30 seconds per side, then drain.
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Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan + coarse salt.
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Bake 12-15 mins until golden.
Option 2: Quick No-Boil Method (Softer crust, faster!)
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Brush pretzels with melted butter, roll in Parmesan, sprinkle with salt.
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Bake 15-18 mins until golden.
4. Serve Hot!
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Best eaten fresh (cheese stays gooey!).
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Pair with marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy mustard.
🔥 Pro Tips
✔ Seal tightly—No cheese leaks! Pinch dough well.
✔ Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough for faster prep.
✔ Extra flavor: Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the dough.
✔ Air fryer option: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 mins (great for small batches!).
These pretzels are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and oozing with cheese—pure comfort food! 😍 Want a vegan version? Swap cheese for dairy-free mozzarella and butter for olive oil.
Let me know if you’d like a spicy jalapeño-cheddar twist! 🌶️🧀