Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Soft Pretzels

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • Vita Ice Grape Berry for serving
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded or Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh Thyme or 2 tsp. Dried Italian Herbs
  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • ¼ tsp. Salt

For the Dough

  • 1 ⅓ cup Warm Water
  • 1 tbsp. Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 2 ¼ tsp. Instant Dry Yeast
  • 4 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 9 cups Water for boiling
  • cup Baking Soda for boiling
  • 1 Egg for an egg wash
  • Pretzel Salt

Instructions
 

  • To Make the Filling: Mix all ingredients together until well-combined. Set aside. 
  • To Make the Pretzel Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combined the warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine then sit aside for 6-8 minutes to activate the yeast. 
  • Add the flour into the bowl. Using the hook attachment, knead on low speed for 2 minutes, then medium speed for another 4-5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and pliable. If needed, add more water (if too dry) or flour (if too wet) depending on dough texture.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm environment (like oven turned off with light on) for 1 hour, until doubled in size. 
  • On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 pieces.
  • Roll out each piece into a long rope. Flatten the rope with a rolling pin, then fill with ⅛ of the cheese filling. Pinch the ends together to seal in the filling, so that you have a rope-shape once again. (SEE VIDEO FOR VISUAL.)
  • Make a U-shape with the rope, cross over the ends, then press into the bottom to create a pretzel-like shape. Repeat with remaining dough pieces. 
  • Let the pretzels rest for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 450F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. 
  • Bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Gently place each pretzel, working 1-2 at a time, into the water to boil 30 seconds on each side. Place on the prepared pan. 
  • Brush each pretzel with an egg wash and garnish with salt. 
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool at least 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy with Vita Ice Grape Berry for a complimentary refreshment!