Soft, golden, chewy on the outside, and gooey on the inside—these Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the ultimate comfort snack! They’re everything you love about a classic soft pretzel, but with an irresistible cheesy surprise tucked right in the center. Whether you’re planning a movie night, looking for an indulgent weekend treat, or simply craving something deliciously different, this recipe delivers big time. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make and way better than anything you’ll get at a mall kiosk!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Surprise Inside: Bite into one and you’re met with a stretchy, melty mozzarella center—totally worth it.
Soft and Buttery: These pretzels have that signature golden crust and pillowy soft texture inside, thanks to a few key steps.
Fun to Make: Twisting pretzels might sound intimidating, but it’s actually super satisfying—and a great way to get kids or guests involved.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Game days, parties, or just cozy afternoons—these pretzels fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these heavenly stuffed pretzels:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough, gives that chewy, tender bite we love in pretzels.
Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together.
Active Dry Yeast: Gives the pretzels their rise and soft texture. Make sure it’s fresh!
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.
Salt: Essential for flavor in the dough and for that iconic salty topping.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it soft and flavorful.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show—use low-moisture sticks or cubes for the best gooey results.
Baking Soda: Crucial for the boiling step; gives the pretzels their deep golden color and chewy crust.
Egg Wash: For that glossy, bakery-style finish.
Coarse Salt: Sprinkled on top for that signature pretzel crunch and flavor.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these simple swaps and upgrades:

Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeños inside with the cheese.
Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush the baked pretzels with garlic-infused melted butter and a dash of parsley.
Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a flavor twist.
Sweet Version: Skip the cheese and salt, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking for a dessert version.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy. Stir in the melted butter and salt, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda (do this slowly—it foams up fast!).

Step 4: Shape and Stuff

Divide the dough into equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a rectangle, place a stick or cube of mozzarella in the center, then roll it up tightly and pinch the seams. Roll into a rope and twist into the classic pretzel shape.

Step 5: Boil

One at a time, drop the pretzels into the boiling baking soda water for about 20–30 seconds. This is key for that chewy crust! Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and beautifully puffed.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them cool just enough to handle (but trust me, they’re best warm when the cheese is still molten and dreamy).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal the Cheese Well: Make sure the mozzarella is tightly wrapped and the seams are pinched closed to prevent leaks.
Use Low-Moisture Cheese: Regular mozzarella can release too much liquid—low-moisture holds its shape and melts perfectly.
Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: It’s non-negotiable for that authentic pretzel crust.
Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: Cheese straight from the oven is lava—wait a few minutes to avoid burns and get the perfect gooey bite.

How to Serve

These mozzarella stuffed pretzels are a total crowd-pleaser just as they are, but you can absolutely dress them up:

Dipping Sauces:

Marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or even warm beer cheese sauce are all excellent pairings.

As a Side:

Serve them with soup (tomato or creamy broccoli are great options) or alongside a fresh salad for contrast.

Party Platter:

Cut them into chunks and serve with an assortment of dips—perfect for game day or movie night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Freezing

These pretzels freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes straight from the fridge or thawed. For a crispier result, skip the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use pizza dough instead of homemade dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works in a pinch. It won’t have quite the same flavor or texture, but it’s a great shortcut when you’re in a hurry.

Why did my cheese leak out during baking?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t sealed properly around the cheese. Make sure you pinch those seams closed and don’t overstretch the dough.

Can I make these without boiling them?
Technically yes, but they’ll taste more like regular rolls than pretzels. The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature crust and deep color.

What kind of mozzarella is best for stuffing?
Low-moisture mozzarella sticks or cubes are ideal—they melt beautifully without turning watery or causing the pretzels to split.

Final Thoughts

These Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels are the kind of snack that makes people stop and say, “Wait, you made these?!” With their chewy exterior, gooey cheese center, and that unmistakable pretzel flavor, they’re bound to be a hit. Once you try them, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make them again—so roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to something warm, cheesy, and wonderfully homemade!

Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe