Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
So the other day I was craving something warm, cheesy, and carby (you know those days), and I ended up making these soft pretzels that turned out insanely good. I stuffed them with melty mozzarella, mixed fresh rosemary into the dough, and topped them with Parmesan and coarse salt… like, yes please. Honestly, these feel like something you’d get from a fancy bakery but better because they’re homemade.
Let’s get into it—you’re going to love them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Each bite is loaded with melty mozzarella cheese—need I say more?
- The rosemary and Parmesan combo adds the most amazing flavor and aroma
- They’re golden, soft, chewy, and just the right amount of salty
- Perfect for a cozy snack, game day, or even a casual appetizer for friends
- You can totally make these ahead of time and reheat them later (they’re still great!)
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to bring these delicious pretzels to life (full ingredient list with exact measurements is just below in the recipe card):
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Fresh rosemary
- Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Unsalted butter
- Egg for that glossy finish
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- And yes—baking soda for the traditional pretzel bath
How to Make These Cheesy Soft Pretzels
Make the Dough
Let It Rise
Shape and Fill the Pretzels
Boil the Pretzels
Add Toppings and Bake
Cool and Serve
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s what gives pretzels that classic chewy exterior.
- Make sure the dough is sealed well around the mozzarella to avoid cheese leaks.
- If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour one tablespoon at a time.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap rosemary for thyme or Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.
- Use cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Want to make it spicy? Add a few red pepper flakes to the dough or use pepper jack cheese inside.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These pretzels are amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate them:
- Serve with warm marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping
- Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch
- Add them to a game-day snack board with cured meats and olives
- Great alongside a light salad if you’re doing that balanced thing
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds until warm and soft again.
FAQs
Can I freeze these pretzels?
Yes, after baking and cooling, freeze them in a zip-top bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temp before shaping.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
You can use 1 tsp of dried rosemary or substitute with Italian seasoning or oregano.
Why do I need to boil the pretzels before baking?
That quick baking soda bath is what gives the pretzels their classic texture and deep golden crust. It’s totally worth the extra step.
Conclusion
These mozzarella-stuffed rosemary Parmesan pretzels are everything a cozy, cheesy snack should be—warm, flavorful, and comforting. They’re surprisingly simple to make and so much better than anything store-bought. I hope you try them soon and love them as much as I do!
PrintMozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
- Yield: 8 pretzels
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade soft pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a gooey mozzarella center infused with fresh rosemary and topped with savory Parmesan. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
-
1 packet active dry yeast
-
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
-
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
-
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
-
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
For the Cooking Liquid:
-
10 cups water
-
3/4 cup baking soda
For the Filling:
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Egg Wash:
-
1 egg, beaten
-
1 tablespoon water
For the Toppings:
-
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Add chopped rosemary, flour, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Shape the Pretzels:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, about 10–12 inches long. Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center of each rope, fold the dough over the cheese, and pinch the edges to seal. Shape each piece into a pretzel by forming a U, twisting the ends, and bringing them over to form the pretzel shape. -
Boil the Pretzels:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet. -
Apply the Egg Wash:
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash. -
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle each pretzel with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. -
Bake the Pretzels:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and, if desired, brush with melted butter. Serve warm.
Notes
-
Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
-
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or using pepper jack cheese.
-
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pretzel
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg