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These pillowy pretzel bites are perfect for cheese lovers craving a hearty, homemade snack. Indulgent mozzarella oozes from the center, while a savory garlic-herb seasoning blankets the golden-brown exterior. They’re just right for sharing at a game night or savoring as a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 3 – 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb mix (e.g., basil, oregano, thyme)
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 8 cups water + ¼ cup baking soda (for pretzel bath)
- Coarse salt, for topping
Instructions
To start, combine 3 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the warm water, followed by the melted butter, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add more flour if the dough seems too sticky. Once a soft, elastic dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Shape the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover with a clean dish towel. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Then, punch down the dough gently and divide it into small pieces—slightly larger than a golf ball—so it’s easy to wrap around the mozzarella cubes.
Press each dough piece into a flat round, nestle a cube of mozzarella in the center, then pinch and roll the dough closed around the cheese. Make sure the seams are well-sealed so the cheese stays tucked inside during baking.
Next, bring the 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Carefully add each stuffed dough ball to the solution for about 30 seconds per side—this classic pretzel bath helps create a deeply golden crust. Remove each ball with a slotted spoon and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a little coarse salt.
Slide the tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until your pretzel bites turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes; the cheese will be molten at first, and you’ll want to avoid any cheesy burns.
Enjoy these pretzel bites warm, while the mozzarella centers are still gooey and stretchy.
Soft Mozzarella Stuffed Pretzel Bites make an amazing treat for all ages and can be easily adapted—try swapping mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack, or sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning. They’re a crowd-pleasing indulgence full of cozy comfort, yet with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or seeking a weekend baking project, these savory, cheese-filled morsels bring plenty of warm, homemade goodness right to your kitchen.
