Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Filling & Topping:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into strips)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 8 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add in the melted butter, salt, and flour, then mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope, then flatten it slightly to create a long strip.
Place a mozzarella stick in the center of each strip of dough. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Carefully roll it into a rope again to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
Take each cheese-filled rope and twist it into a pretzel shape by crossing the ends over each other and pressing them down.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add ⅓ cup of baking soda (it will bubble up). Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel in the water for 15-20 seconds, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush each pretzel with egg wash. Sprinkle with grated parmesan, fresh rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm while the mozzarella is still gooey!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g