These Tasty Mozzarella Pretzel Bites are the perfect snack to munch on! Soft pretzel dough wraps around gooey mozzarella cheese, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Who can resist warm pretzels? I love serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it really makes them pop! Grab a few, and get ready to share… or not! 😉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: This water should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm to your wrist. Too hot can kill the yeast!
Active Dry Yeast: If you run out, you can use instant yeast instead; just skip the activation step. Alternatively, if you can’t find yeast, try baking powder, but the texture will vary.
All-Purpose Flour: This is great for texture. Substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but you may need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Mozzarella Cheese: Go for low-moisture mozzarella for better melting. Fresh mozzarella is delicious, too! Just be sure to drain any excess liquid. If you’re dairy-free, try a non-dairy cheese that melts well.
Baking Soda: This gives that classic pretzel flavor. Don’t skip it! If you’re out, you can use a lye solution (but proceed with caution, as it’s more complex).
How Do You Ensure Your Pretzel Bites Are Fluffy and Chewy?
The secret to great texture lies in the boiling step. Boiling the pretzel bites in the baking soda water creates that signature crust, so don’t skip it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring the water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. The bigger pot, the better, as it allows for more pretzel bites to boil at once!
- Carefully drop a few pretzel bites in and boil for about 30 seconds. The dough will puff slightly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let the excess water drip off before placing on the baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash for a beautiful sheen that browns nicely in the oven.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get perfect, fluffy, and chewy mozzarella pretzel bites every time! Enjoy your delicious creation with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
How to Make Tasty Mozzarella Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheese Filling:
- 10 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1-inch)
For the Boiling Solution:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (like pretzel salt) for topping
- Optional: chopped parsley or garlic powder for garnish
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for the dough to rise plus 20-25 minutes for preparation and baking. So, typical total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step wakes up the yeast and helps your pretzels rise!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
3. Knead and Rise:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper while the dough rises, so you’re ready to go!
5. Shape Your Pretzel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes if you haven’t already. Then, slice the dough into 2×2 inch squares. Place a mozzarella cube in the center of each square and fold the dough around the cheese, pinching to seal and shape into a ball.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the pretzel bites, a few at a time, and let them boil for about 30 seconds. This gives them that chewy pretzel texture!
7. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzel bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Enjoy your soft, cheesy, golden-brown mozzarella pretzel bites!
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Look for a blend that already contains xanthan gum for the best results, and be sure to follow the specific instructions on the flour package for baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What Other Dips Can I Serve with These Pretzel Bites?
Besides marinara sauce, you can serve these pretzel bites with a variety of dips! Some delicious options include cheese sauce, mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick.
Can I Add Other Fillings Besides Mozzarella Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add cooked bacon, jalapeños, or different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist. Just be careful not to overfill them, as it can make sealing difficult.
