Description
Rosemary parmesan soft pretzels conceal melted mozzarella within their golden, herb-infused embrace. Cheese lovers will savor this irresistible twist on classic pretzels, promising a delightful blend of comfort and gourmet flair that satisfies both casual snackers and culinary enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
Boiling Solution:
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by whisking it with warm water and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough vigorously for 6-8 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, elastic consistency with a silky texture.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a draft-free environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it expands to double its original volume.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Deflate the risen dough and partition it into 8 uniform segments.
- Roll each dough portion into a slender 12-inch rope. Position a modest amount of mozzarella in the center, then carefully fold and seal the dough to encapsulate the cheese completely.
- Craft each rope into a classic pretzel shape, ensuring the cheese remains securely enclosed.
- Prepare a boiling water bath by combining water and baking soda in a large pot. Gently submerge each pretzel for 1-2 minutes, rotating to ensure even treatment.
- Extract the pretzels and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously brush with beaten egg and liberally garnish with chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan, and coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pretzels achieve a rich, golden-brown complexion and emit an irresistible aroma.
- Allow the pretzels to cool briefly, then serve immediately to experience the molten mozzarella center at its most decadent.
Notes
- Maintain warm water temperature between 105-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, ensuring perfect dough rise.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy and smooth texture for better pretzel shape and consistency.
- Seal cheese completely inside dough to prevent leakage during boiling and baking, keeping mozzarella center intact and gooey.
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like cheddar or gouda for unique flavor variations that complement rosemary and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg