Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels

### Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels: A Cheesy, Herby Twist on a Classic Snack

Soft pretzels are a beloved snack that has stood the test of time, and now you can take them to the next level with **Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels**. This recipe blends the irresistible chewiness of homemade soft pretzels with the melty goodness of mozzarella cheese, the aromatic flavor of rosemary, and the sharpness of Parmesan. The result is a savory, cheesy snack that will leave everyone craving more!

Perfect for game day, parties, or as an afternoon treat, these mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels are sure to impress your friends and family with their gourmet twist on a classic. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious pretzels in your own kitchen.

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#### Why You’ll Love These Pretzels

– **Cheesy Center**: The gooey mozzarella cheese tucked inside adds an extra layer of indulgence that takes these pretzels to the next level.
– **Herb-Infused Flavor**: Fresh rosemary and Parmesan bring a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, warm dough.
– **Freshly Baked**: There’s nothing like the smell of fresh, warm pretzels straight out of the oven. Your house will smell amazing!
– **Perfect for Sharing**: These pretzels make for a great snack to share with family and friends, whether as an appetizer, a party snack, or a fun dinner side.

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#### Ingredients

To make Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

**For the Pretzel Dough:**
– **2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast** (1 packet)
– **1 ½ cups warm water** (110°F)
– **1 tablespoon sugar**
– **3 ½ cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**, melted
– **1 tablespoon fresh rosemary**, finely chopped (optional)
– **1 egg**, beaten (for egg wash)

**For the Filling:**
– **8 oz mozzarella cheese**, cut into sticks (or use shredded mozzarella)

**For the Topping:**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**, melted
– **1 tablespoon fresh rosemary**, chopped (optional)
– **2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese**
– **Salt**, for sprinkling (optional)

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#### Step-by-Step Recipe

**1. Prepare the Dough**
– In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped rosemary (if using). Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough begins to come together.
– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

**2. Form the Pretzels**
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Punch the dough down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
– Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Flatten each rope slightly with your hands.
– Place a stick of mozzarella in the center of each rope and carefully fold the dough around the cheese to enclose it completely, pinching the ends together to seal the cheese inside.
– Shape the dough into a pretzel by forming a U-shape and twisting the ends together, then pressing them down to form the pretzel shape.

**3. Boil the Pretzels**
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ¼ cup of baking soda (this helps create that signature pretzel crust).
– Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, and cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

**4. Add the Egg Wash and Bake**
– Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish.
– Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each pretzel and add a pinch of salt (optional).
– Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

**5. Add the Final Touches**
– Once the pretzels are out of the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh rosemary for added flavor.
– Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness!

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#### Tips for Success

1. **Don’t Skip the Boil**: The boiling step before baking is crucial to achieving the classic chewy texture and golden crust on your pretzels.
2. **Stuffing Alternatives**: While mozzarella is the classic filling, you can get creative with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick. You can also add a few slices of pepperoni or ham for a savory twist.
3. **Fresh vs. Dried Rosemary**: Fresh rosemary will give your pretzels a more vibrant, aromatic flavor, but if you only have dried rosemary on hand, you can use that as a substitute. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary for every 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary.
4. **Make Smaller Pretzels**: If you prefer bite-sized snacks, you can divide the dough into smaller pieces, shaping them into mini pretzels. Just reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
5. **Use a Pizza Stone**: For an even crispier bottom, try baking your pretzels on a preheated pizza stone.

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