Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 cups water (for baking soda bath)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 16 chunks mozzarella cheese (from block mozzarella)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 22 inches long.
- Flatten each rope and place a chunk of mozzarella in the center. Fold dough over cheese and pinch to seal tightly.
- Shape each filled rope into a pretzel shape.
- Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with additional melted butter after baking if desired.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Ensure the mozzarella is well sealed inside the dough to prevent leaking during boiling and baking. Boiling in baking soda water is essential for the classic pretzel crust. Serve warm for best melty cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Snack/Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg