Homemade pretzels filled with mozzarella cheese are a delightful twist on a classic snack, perfect for any occasion. The chewy, golden-brown exterior contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melty cheese inside, creating a satisfying treat that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a game-day snack, a fun party appetizer, or a cozy homemade treat, these pretzels are sure to impress. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to experiment with flavors and fillings, making each batch uniquely yours. Let’s dive into the recipe and get started on this delicious adventure!
Ingredients
▢2/3 cup heavy cream(at room temperature)
▢1 cup milk (plus 1 tablespoon, at room temperature; you can use whole, 1%, or 2% milk)
▢1 large egg (at room temperature)
▢1/3 cup sugar
▢4 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use 1/2 cup cake flour combined with 3 1/2 cups bread flour)
▢1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
▢1 1/2 teaspoons salt
▢Egg wash (beat 1 egg with 1 teaspoon water)
▢Simple syrup (1 tablespoon sugar, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)
Preparation
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the ingredients in the following order: heavy cream, milk, egg, sugar, cake flour, bread flour, yeast, and salt. Turn on the mixer to “stir,” and knead for 15 minutes, occasionally stopping the mixer to push the dough together.
If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, add a little more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides (it should be sticking to the bottom of the mixing bowl, but not the sides). If kneading by hand, extend the kneading time by 5-10 minutes.
Next, cover the dough with a damp towel, and place in a warm spot until the dough has doubled in size (1-2 hours). We proof our dough in a closed microwave with a mug of just-boiled water next to it.
In the meantime, grease two baking vessels on all sides with butter. You can use two standard loaf pans, two 9-inch (23cm) round pans, or 1 loaf pan and 1 round pan.
After the dough has doubled in size, put it back in the mixer, and stir for another 5 minutes to get rid of air bubbles. Dump the dough on a lightly floured surface, and cut it in half. To make loaves, shape each dough half into a rough rectangular shape, cut it cross-wise into three roughly equal pieces, and place in the loaf pan.
Alternatively you can cut each dough half into 8 pieces, roll them into balls (or ropes that you can twist into buns), and put them in a round pan. You can also make 2 loaves, 16 rolls, or 1 loaf and 8 rolls. Once shaped, let the dough proof, covered, for another hour.
Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat it to 350° F/175°C. Brush the risen dough with egg wash. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush the warm bread with sugar water to give it shine and sweetness.
variation:
- Cheese Blend: Instead of just mozzarella, try mixing in other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a bit of blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Herbed Pretzels: Add dried herbs such as oregano, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be mixed into the cheese filling.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese filling for a spicy kick. You could even serve them with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, try adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to the dough or cheese filling, creating a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Stuffed with Veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions with the mozzarella for a delicious veggie-packed option.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve your pretzels with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, cheese sauce, or even a honey mustard for added flavor.
tips :
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mozzarella and high-quality flour for the best flavor and texture.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season the dough with a bit of salt, and consider sprinkling coarse sea salt on top just before baking for added flavor.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese for the filling, like gouda or fontina, to see which combination you like best.
- Egg Wash: Brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Serve Fresh: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey.
- Proper Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to restore the texture.
To store :
- Cool Completely: Allow the pretzels to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled pretzels in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container for extra protection.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a few days. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the pretzels. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Enjoy.