Warm, golden, and irresistibly gooey, these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate comfort snack. They’re soft and chewy on the outside, oozing with melty mozzarella on the inside, and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt. Whether you’re looking to impress at a game-day gathering, need a cozy movie night snack, or want to treat yourself on a weekend afternoon—this recipe has got you covered. And while they may look bakery-level fancy, don’t be fooled. These pretzels are surprisingly simple to make and so worth every minute.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Center Surprise: The moment you tear one open and that warm mozzarella stretches—pure magic.
Better Than Store-Bought: Soft, buttery, and freshly baked. These pretzels are miles better than anything from a freezer bag.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect to prepare in advance and freeze, so you can bake whenever the craving hits.
Fun to Make: The process of shaping pretzels and stuffing them with cheese is a hands-on, satisfying kitchen project.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy delights:

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough. Gives the pretzels their soft, chewy texture.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop that fluffy interior.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Essential for flavoring both the dough and the finishing touch.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough and is brushed on top for that golden shine.
Mozzarella cheese: Choose low-moisture mozzarella sticks for easy stuffing and the perfect melty center.
Baking soda: Used in the boiling step to create that signature chewy crust.
Coarse salt: For sprinkling on top. Adds that classic pretzel finish and a delightful crunch.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:

Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and dried Italian herbs to the melted butter brushed on top.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the mozzarella or dip in spicy marinara.
Pizza-Style: Tuck in a few slices of pepperoni with the cheese and serve with warm pizza sauce.
Everything Bagel Pretzels: Skip the salt and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning instead.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Stir in the melted butter and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Shape

Cut mozzarella sticks into chunks (about 2 inches each). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, flatten it slightly, place a cheese chunk in the center, then pinch and seal the dough around it.

Step 4: Shape into Pretzels

Form each filled rope into a pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends, and pressing them down into the bottom of the loop.

Step 5: Boil the Pretzels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully stir in the baking soda (do this slowly—it’ll foam). Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly—just enough so you don’t burn your fingers—then dive into the gooey, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Dry Mozzarella Sticks: Avoid fresh mozzarella; it’s too watery and can cause soggy dough.
Seal the Edges Well: Pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks.
Don’t Skip the Boil: That baking soda bath is key to getting that chewy, bakery-style crust.
Work Fast After Boiling: Once boiled, bake the pretzels promptly for the best texture and color.

How to Serve

These pretzels are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is still melted and dreamy.

Dipping Sauces:

Warm marinara
Garlic butter
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard

Drinks:

Pair with cold beer, sparkling water, or a rich tomato soup for dunking.

Meal Idea:

Serve alongside a hearty salad or soup for a cozy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked pretzels (after shaping and before boiling) on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Boil and bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 1–2 minutes in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is perfect for that gooey pull, you can try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just be sure it’s a low-moisture variety.

Why do I need to boil the pretzels before baking?
The baking soda bath gives the pretzels their classic chewy crust and deep golden color. It’s what makes pretzels… pretzels! Skipping it would result in more of a dinner roll texture.

My dough isn’t rising—what went wrong?
It could be your yeast. Make sure it’s not expired, and that your water is warm (not hot) to activate it properly—ideally around 110°F. Cold or overly hot water can stop it from working.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the kind of homemade snack that feels like a treat but is totally doable—even if you’re not a baking pro. With their perfectly chewy exterior and that molten cheesy center, they’re impossible to resist. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them on repeat!

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe