Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

### Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Dough**:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
– Add the flour, salt, olive oil, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

#### 2. **Shape the Pretzels**:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
– Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
– Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 12 inches long. Flatten each rope slightly with your hands and place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
– Pinch the ends of the dough around the mozzarella to seal it in and roll the dough back into a long rope shape. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape, ensuring the ends are well sealed.
– Place the shaped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.

#### 3. **Prepare the Pretzel Bath**:
– In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda. This will create the classic chewy texture for the pretzels.
– Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time. Boil the pretzels for about 30 seconds each, then transfer them back to the baking sheet.

#### 4. **Top with Rosemary and Parmesan**:
– Brush the boiled pretzels with the melted butter.
– Sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), and coarse salt on top of each pretzel.

#### 5. **Bake the Pretzels**:
– Place the pretzels in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
– Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t over-brown, especially around the seams where the dough is sealed.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Once the pretzels are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll want to give the cheese inside a moment to settle before cutting or biting into them to prevent a cheese explosion.
– Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce—mustard, marinara, or even a garlic butter dip would pair perfectly.

### Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

1. **Seal the Pretzels Well**: Make sure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed around the mozzarella to prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking.

2. **Don’t Skip the Pretzel Bath**: Boiling the pretzels before baking is essential for achieving that classic chewy, golden crust. The baking soda in the water creates a unique texture that you won’t get if you skip this step.

3. **Use Fresh Mozzarella**: For the best melt and texture, use fresh mozzarella. If you’re using string cheese, cut it into chunks for easy stuffing.

4. **Add More Toppings**: Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or oregano, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

5. **Make It a Meal**: Serve these stuffed pretzels as a main dish alongside a fresh salad or soup for a more substantial meal.

### Why These Pretzels Are So Special

Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels take the classic soft pretzel to new heights. The combination of creamy mozzarella with the crispy, herb-infused outer crust makes for a delightful texture contrast that’s both satisfying and delicious. The savory topping of rosemary and Parmesan adds a fragrant, umami-packed flavor that enhances the rich mozzarella filling.

These pretzels are perfect for any occasion—from casual snacks and family gatherings to special events like game day parties or holiday appetizers. Their versatility and flavor will make them the star of the show, and they’re guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds.

### Conclusion

If you’re ready to take your soft pretzel game to the next level, **Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels** are the perfect choice. With their warm, cheesy centers, savory rosemary-Parmesan crust, and pillowy texture, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a part of a larger meal, these stuffed pretzels are a surefire way to impress. Try them today and savor the delicious combination of cheese, herbs, and dough!