Get ready to indulge in homemade pretzels that are not only soft and chewy but also filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe combines simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and fresh rosemary, making it a fun and delicious project for any cooking enthusiast. Let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful treats!”
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse salt (for topping)
10 cups water (for boiling)
¼ cup baking s
directions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until the dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese at the center of each rope and fold the dough over to enclose the cheese. Shape the dough into a pretzel shape.
Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, adding the baking soda. Carefully lower the pretzels into the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel with an egg wash (1 beaten egg) and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the melty mozzarella center!
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8
variations :
Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzels: Add shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Instead of the savory toppings, brush the pretzels with melted butter after boiling and sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
Everything Bagel Pretzels: Before baking, top the pretzels with an “everything bagel” seasoning mix, which typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
Garlic Parmesan Pretzels: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it over the pretzels before adding the Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Herb and Cheese Pretzels: Incorporate different herbs like thyme or oregano into the dough and use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and gouda, for a unique twist.
Tips
Knead Properly: Make sure to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving your pretzels a better texture.
Use Warm Water: When activating the yeast, ensure the water is warm (about 110°F or 43°C) but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
Boil with Baking Soda: The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and texture. Make sure to boil the pretzels for about 30 seconds on each side.
Egg Wash: Brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking to give them a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like coarse sea salt, cheese, or herbs to customize your pretzels to your liking.
To store your pretzels, follow these steps:
Cool Completely: Allow the pretzels to cool completely at room temperature after baking. This prevents moisture buildup in the storage container.
Wrap Properly: Once cooled, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped pretzels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain their softness.
Refrigeration: If you plan to store them for more than a day, you can refrigerate the pretzels. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pretzels. Just wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
These storage tips will help keep your pretzels fresh and delicious!