When you combine the chewy, golden-brown goodness of homemade soft pretzels with melty mozzarella cheese, you get the ultimate comfort snack: Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels. These cheesy bites are perfect for game day, parties, or cozy movie nights. Each pretzel has a crisp outer crust, a soft pillowy inside, and a gooey cheesy center that stretches with every bite.

Homemade pretzels may seem intimidating, but they’re surprisingly easy once you get the hang of shaping the dough. This recipe walks you through each step, from mixing and proofing the dough to stuffing and baking until perfection. The result? Bakery-style pretzels with a delicious mozzarella surprise inside.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For Stuffing & Boiling:

8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or block mozzarella, cut into sticks)
10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda

For Topping:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add salt, flour, and melted butter; knead until a smooth dough forms.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope, flatten slightly, and place a mozzarella stick inside. Pinch edges to seal and shape into a pretzel.
In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into boiling water for 30 seconds, then place on baking sheets.
Brush pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm for maximum cheesiness.

Why You’ll Love Them

Cheesy goodness: Every bite has gooey mozzarella inside.
Authentic texture: The baking soda bath creates that signature chewy crust.
Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, movie nights, or as a game-day snack.

Variations

Garlic Butter Mozzarella Pretzels: Brush with garlic butter after baking.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños inside with mozzarella for a bold twist.
Stuffed with Other Cheeses: Try cheddar or pepper jack instead.
Mini Bites: Make smaller pretzel nuggets for finger food.