Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

Warm Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary & Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

Soft pretzels with mozzarella stuffing elevate comfort food to an irresistible art form.

These golden-brown twists combine classic bakery techniques with unexpected culinary creativity.

Savory herbs and rich cheese change an ordinary snack into a mouthwatering experience.

rosemary earthy aroma weaves through delicate layers of perfectly seasoned dough.

parmesan adds a subtle, nutty undertone that complements the melted mozzarella creamy texture.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between crisp exterior and molten interior.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with confidence.

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels That Stretch, Melt, and Wow

  • Burst with Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese stuffed inside the soft pretzel create an irresistible gooey center that melts in your mouth with every single bite.
  • Elevate Flavor with Aromatic Herbs: Chopped rosemary infused throughout the dough adds a delightful herbal fragrance and sophisticated flavor profile that transforms ordinary pretzels into a gourmet experience.
  • Perfectly Balanced Texture Adventure: The boiling method followed by baking creates an incredible contrast between a crispy golden-brown exterior and a soft, pillowy interior that provides an exciting textural journey for your taste buds.
  • Impressive Yet Approachable Cooking Method: Though the recipe looks complicated, the step-by-step process is straightforward enough for home bakers to confidently create restaurant-quality pretzels with minimal professional baking skills.

Ingredients That Make Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Irresistible

Dough Base:
  • Warm Water: Essential for activating yeast and creating soft dough texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Key ingredient for dough rising and developing flavor.
  • Sugar: Helps yeast activate and provides subtle sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and strengthens gluten structure.
Flour and Herbs:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for pretzel dough.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Adds aromatic herb flavor and fragrant note to pretzels.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create rich, melty interior filling with tangy and creamy profile.
  • Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender dough texture.
  • Egg: Used for golden brown wash and glossy pretzel surface.
Boiling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda: Creates classic pretzel exterior and helps with browning.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides additional savory depth to optional topping.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild spicy note to optional topping.

How to Bake Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels from Scratch

Step 1: Activate Yeast Blend

In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let the mixture sit and become foamy for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

Add chopped rosemary, flour, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed for 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot. Allow it to rise for approximately one hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Filling

Combine cheese ingredients:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated parmesan

Place the cheese mixture in the freezer until needed.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Boiling Liquid Setup

In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil.

Step 7: Shape Pretzel Bases

Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 16-inch rope about 4 inches wide.

Step 8: Create Cheese-Filled Ropes

Remove cheese mixture from freezer. Distribute cheese evenly along each dough rope.

Tightly roll the dough back into a rope, sealing cheese inside by pinching edges.

Step 9: Form Pretzel Shapes

Shape each rope into a U, cross ends, and pinch onto the bottom to create classic pretzel design.

Step 10: Boil Pretzels

Gently place each pretzel into boiling liquid. Cook for 30 seconds per pretzel.

Remove with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip back into the pot.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: Apply Egg Wash

Brush pretzel tops with egg wash.

Step 12: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 16-18 minutes until pretzels turn golden brown.

Step 13: Cool and Rest

Let pretzels cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 14: Create Topping Blend

Mix topping ingredients:
  • Grated parmesan
  • Chopped rosemary
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Step 15: Final Touch

Brush pretzels with melted butter.

Sprinkle with prepared topping mixture.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips to Keep Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Pillowy and Cheesy

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up the yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy pretzel dough.
  • Freeze Cheese Strategically: Chilling the cheese mixture helps prevent melting during the shaping process, keeping the filling contained within the pretzel.
  • Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading exactly 12 minutes, creating a smooth, elastic texture that gives pretzels their signature chew.
  • Boil for Authentic Flavor: The baking soda bath creates that classic pretzel exterior- golden brown and slightly crispy with a soft interior.
  • Handle with Care: Allow pretzels to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the structure and prevent burning your fingers while maintaining maximum cheese gooeyness.

Reheating Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Without Losing That Pull

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.

Dips That Pair Perfectly with Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy these cheesy rosemary pretzels with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the rich, savory flavors and cleanses the palate with its bright, zesty notes.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or a smooth Belgian-style wheat beer that complements the herb-infused dough and melted cheese, creating a perfect balance of maltiness and herbal undertones.
  • Serve with Robust Dipping Sauces: Create a flavor explosion by offering garlic aioli, spicy mustard, or marinara sauce alongside the pretzels, enhancing the mozzarella and parmesan's creamy texture with tangy and bold accompaniments.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Balance the indulgent pretzels with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bread.

Flavor Ideas to Reinvent Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels

  • Garlic Herb Sensation: Replace rosemary with a blend of fresh thyme, oregano, and minced garlic for an aromatic flavor profile that elevates the classic pretzel.
  • Jalapeño Cheese Blast: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture and add a sprinkle of chili flakes on top for a spicy kick that transforms the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta cheese and add sundried tomatoes and dried basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bold, tangy notes.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture and added nutritional value, maintaining the same delicious cheesy core.
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Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rosemary and parmesan pretzels cradle molten mozzarella in their golden, twisty embrace. Warm, herbal notes and salty cheese create an irresistible snack that will transport guests straight to comfort’s delicious heart.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (between 110-115°F / 43-46°C)
  • 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Cooking Liquid:

  • 10 cups water
  • ¾ cup baking soda

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water

Toppings:

  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
  • ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl. Wait until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbling.
  2. Incorporate chopped rosemary, flour, and softened butter into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough thoroughly until it develops a smooth, elastic consistency.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm environment until its volume doubles, approximately one hour.
  4. Prepare the cheese filling by combining mozzarella and parmesan. Chill the mixture in the freezer to maintain its structure.
  5. Heat the oven to 425°F and prepare parchment-lined baking sheets.
  6. Create a boiling solution of water and baking soda in a large pot.
  7. Divide the risen dough into eight equal portions and stretch each into a 16-inch rope.
  8. Flatten each rope to approximately 4 inches wide.
  9. Distribute the frozen cheese mixture evenly along each dough rope.
  10. Carefully roll the dough back into a rope, ensuring the cheese remains enclosed by pinching the edges tightly.
  11. Form each rope into a classic pretzel shape by creating a U-shape, crossing the ends, and securing them to the base.
  12. Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling liquid, cooking for 30 seconds to develop a distinctive exterior.
  13. Transfer the boiled pretzels to the prepared baking sheets, brushing their surfaces with egg wash.
  14. Bake for 16-18 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color.
  15. Allow the pretzels to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes to set their structure.
  16. Create an optional topping by mixing parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  17. Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and generously sprinkle with the seasoning mixture before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Chilling the cheese mixture helps prevent leakage during the baking process, ensuring a clean and intact pretzel.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda water creates a distinctive brown crust and enhances the classic pretzel flavor and texture.
  • Kneading the dough for a full 12 minutes develops gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic texture that’s crucial for soft pretzels.
  • Rolling the dough into thin ropes and sealing the cheese carefully prevents cheese from oozing out during baking.
  • Allow pretzels to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them set and become easier to handle without falling apart.
  • Brushing with melted butter and sprinkling with parmesan-rosemary topping adds an extra layer of savory flavor and creates a delicious crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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