Description
These homemade pretzels are soft, golden, and packed with gooey mozzarella cheese. Infused with fresh rosemary, brushed with buttery garlic seasoning, and baked to perfection, they’re the ultimate savory snack or appetizer. Perfect for parties, cozy evenings, or anytime you’re craving cheesy, herby comfort food.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110–115°F)
- 1 packet Rapid Rise yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 ¾ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Baking Soda Bath:
- 10 cups water
- ¾ cup baking soda
Toppings:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Additional grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
-
Activate Yeast
In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy. -
Make Dough
Add rosemary, flour, and softened butter. Knead for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled. -
Prepare Cheese Filling
Mix mozzarella and Parmesan. Shape into 8 small portions and freeze for 15–20 minutes. -
Boil Water & Preheat Oven
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add baking soda. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment. -
Shape Pretzels
Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope. Flatten, add frozen cheese, pinch closed, and form into pretzel shapes. -
Boil Pretzels
Boil each pretzel in baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheets. -
Bake
Brush with egg wash. Bake 16–18 minutes until golden brown.
-
Finish
Brush hot pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan.
Notes
- Freeze cheese to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- For even baking, rotate trays halfway through.
- Best served warm for maximum cheese stretch.
- Add cayenne for spice or substitute cheese varieties like cheddar or Gruyère.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes+ 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg