Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

There’s something wildly comforting about a warm, golden-brown soft pretzel — but when you take that classic treat and stuff it with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese, you enter a whole new realm of snack heaven. I remember the first time I pulled these Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels out of the oven — the smell alone was enough to make everyone in my house drift into the kitchen like cartoon characters on a scent trail. The chewy exterior, the buttery shine, the crackling salt, and that irresistible cheesy pull… it’s magic.

I’ve made these for game nights, cozy movie evenings, and even as an appetizer for dinner parties. They never fail to disappear within minutes. This recipe takes the nostalgic essence of a mall pretzel and elevates it with savory cheese hidden inside. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to make these — just a bit of patience, a love for cheese, and maybe a little bit of flour on your apron.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

These pretzels are soft, warm, and fluffy with a perfect golden crust. The mozzarella melts into a rich, stretchy center that complements the dough beautifully. They’re kid-approved, party-friendly, and honestly — they just make people happy. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side, or the main event, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

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What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Stuffed Pretzels?

Mozzarella is ideal for its smooth melt and satisfying cheese pull, but you can experiment! Try low-moisture mozzarella for less leakage, or even sneak in a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for an extra punch of flavor. String cheese is also a surprisingly convenient choice if you’re short on time or cutting down on prep.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour can give an even chewier texture.
• Toppings: Instead of coarse salt, try everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or grated parmesan.
• Butter Finish: Brush with garlic butter or herb-infused olive oil post-bake for an added layer of flavor.
• Dips: Serve with marinara, mustard, or a creamy cheese sauce if you want to double down on indulgence.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour – This forms the base of the dough, giving the pretzels their chewy and tender structure.
• Active Dry Yeast – Essential for rising, it helps the dough puff up and develop that iconic soft interior.
• Warm Water – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
• Granulated Sugar – Just a touch to feed the yeast and slightly balance the salt.
• Salt – Adds flavor to the dough and balances out the richness of the cheese.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Mozzarella Cheese (Block or String Cheese) – The star ingredient; it melts into a stretchy, creamy core.
• Baking Soda – Used in the water bath for that traditional pretzel crust and signature golden-brown color.
• Egg (for egg wash) – Helps the pretzels develop a shiny, appetizing finish.
• Coarse Sea Salt or Pretzel Salt – A must for texture and that classic pretzel flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional) – Adds a fresh finish and a pop of color on top.

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy — a sign your yeast is alive and ready to work.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

Stir in the salt and melted butter, then gradually add flour, one cup at a time. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

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Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Prepare Cheese and Baking Soda Bath

While the dough is rising, cut mozzarella into sticks (or unwrap string cheese). In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil and add 1/3 cup baking soda. This will be your pretzel bath.

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Step 5: Shape and Stuff

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, flatten slightly, place a stick of cheese inside, and pinch the dough to seal. Shape into a pretzel by forming a U-shape and twisting the ends before folding them back over.

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Step 6: Dip and Bake

Carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 20–30 seconds, then place on a lined baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optional but delicious: brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot for the ultimate cheese pull!

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How Long to Prepare the Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Prep Time

Preparing the dough and allowing it to rise will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. That includes mixing, kneading, and letting it rest until it doubles in size. You can speed this up slightly if your kitchen is warm or use a proofing drawer.

Cooking Time

The actual bake time is between 12 to 15 minutes, but adding in the water bath step and stuffing/shaping will take an additional 30–40 minutes. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 2 hours total, most of it hands-on but very manageable.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

• Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: It melts beautifully without releasing too much water, keeping your pretzels from getting soggy inside.
• Seal the Dough Well: Make sure you pinch and seal the dough completely around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
• Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This gives the pretzels their distinctive chewy crust and deep color.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Brush with Butter After Baking: Adds a glossy finish and enhances flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Under-Kneading the Dough: Leads to flat, dense pretzels.
• Skipping the Rise Time: Results in tough texture and less flavor.
• Overboiling in Baking Soda Bath: Can make pretzels taste metallic — keep it under 30 seconds.
• Using Wet Cheese: Pat cheese dry if needed; moisture leads to soggy interiors.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Leave space so they bake evenly and brown properly.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels?

1. Warm Marinara Sauce

A tangy, tomato-based dip makes the perfect pairing for that melty mozzarella center.

2. Beer Cheese Dip

Rich, creamy, and slightly sharp — a total flavor bomb.

3. Spicy Mustard

Adds a bit of heat and zing to cut through the richness of the pretzel and cheese.

4. Creamy Garlic Dip

Smooth and flavorful, this cool dip balances the warmth of the baked pretzel.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

Especially on colder days, this turns your pretzel into a full cozy meal.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

If you plan to eat them within the day, you can keep them loosely covered at room temp for up to 6 hours. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back the softness.

Refrigerator

Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture might firm up slightly but reheats well.

Freezer

Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per pretzel (approximate values):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and don’t overfill. Use low-moisture mozzarella to reduce melting overflow.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and store it in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temp before shaping.

What if I don’t have coarse salt?

You can use flaky sea salt or even skip it and brush the tops with garlic butter instead.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough?

You can, but it won’t have the classic pretzel chew unless you still do the baking soda bath.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely. They love the cheesy filling and soft texture. You can even involve them in shaping the dough.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the kind of treat that instantly upgrades any gathering, snack table, or quiet afternoon. They’re warm, comforting, easy enough to make at home, and outrageously satisfying when you pull them apart and get that stretchy cheese. Whether it’s game day, a holiday, or a regular Tuesday, these pretzels will always bring smiles to the table — and maybe just a little bit of cheese on your fingers. Totally worth it.

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