Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

### **How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels:**

#### **1. Make the Pretzel Dough**
Start by activating the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

#### **2. Prepare the Mozzarella Filling**
While the dough is rising, prepare the mozzarella cheese. Cut the cheese into small cubes or sticks, which will serve as the gooey filling inside your pretzels. Set the cheese aside for later.

#### **3. Shape the Pretzels**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long.

To stuff the pretzels, flatten each dough rope slightly, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, and then fold the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal it. Roll it into a ball, ensuring the mozzarella is completely enclosed in the dough.

#### **4. Boil the Pretzels**
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them boil for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels from the water and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step helps the pretzels develop that signature chewy texture.

#### **5. Add the Rosemary Parmesan Coating**
While the pretzels are boiling, prepare the rosemary parmesan coating. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, chopped rosemary, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Once the pretzels are placed on the baking sheet, brush each one generously with the rosemary parmesan butter mixture. Make sure to coat every inch of the pretzel for maximum flavor!

#### **6. Bake the Pretzels**
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the pretzels are brushed with the rosemary parmesan mixture, bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and become beautifully puffed up. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
Once the pretzels are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and enjoy the gooey mozzarella filling and the flavorful rosemary parmesan crust. These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.

### **Why You’ll Love Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels:**

– **Cheesy Goodness**: Each pretzel has a rich, melty mozzarella center that adds a luscious, gooey texture, creating the ultimate cheesy experience.

– **Herby and Savory**: The rosemary and parmesan coating is a perfect complement to the soft, pillowy dough. The fresh rosemary gives the pretzels a fragrant, earthy flavor, while the parmesan adds a salty, umami kick.

– **The Perfect Snack or Appetizer**: Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an after-school snack, or pairing them with a warm cup of soup, these stuffed pretzels are incredibly versatile and always a hit.

– **Homemade Comfort**: There’s something magical about the combination of homemade dough and freshly melted cheese. These pretzels make for a comforting, satisfying treat that’s hard to beat.

– **Customizable**: You can experiment with different types of cheese or add other fillings like pepperoni, ham, or spinach to make these pretzels your own. The dough is also versatile and can be shaped in other fun ways, such as twists or pretzel bites.

### **Tips for the Best Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels:**

– **Use Fresh Mozzarella**: Fresh mozzarella provides the best melting texture, but you can also use pre-shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
– **Don’t Overstuff**: While it’s tempting to add a lot of cheese, be sure to seal the dough well around the cheese so it doesn’t leak out during baking. Too much filling can make the pretzels hard to seal.
– **Boil the Pretzels for the Perfect Texture**: Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s essential for creating the chewy, soft texture that makes pretzels so irresistible.
– **Make Them in Advance**: You can prep the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

### **Conclusion: A Cheesy, Savory Delight**

These **Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels** are a mouthwatering, savory treat that will have everyone coming back for more. The cheesy filling, combined with the fragrant rosemary and salty parmesan crust, makes for a snack that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, these pretzels are sure to become a favorite.

So, grab your ingredients and start baking these cheesy, herby delights today—your taste buds will thank you!