Description
Mozzarella-Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a delightful snack featuring soft pretzel dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese. Boiled briefly in a baking soda solution to achieve a classic pretzel texture, then baked until golden brown and served with marinara sauce for dipping, these bites make for a perfect appetizer or party treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough and Coating
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
For the Filling
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, frozen, halved crosswise
For the Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- Pretzel or flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
For Serving
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking soda water: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot, combine 10 cups of water with the baking soda and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Prepare the dough and cheese: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 15″ x 12″ rectangle. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal rectangles. Place one frozen mozzarella cheese stick half in the center of each rectangle. Wrap the dough around each cheese piece, ensuring to crimp and press firmly to seal completely to prevent melting cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Boil the pretzel bites: Working in batches, carefully drop the stuffed dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water. Cook them until they float to the surface and start to puff up, about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, allowing excess water to drain, and transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite generously with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish once baked. Sprinkle pretzel or flaky sea salt on top for added flavor and authentic pretzel texture.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pretzel bites for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Arrange the pretzel bites on a serving platter and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade mozzarella-stuffed pretzel bites!
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before wrapping helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during boiling and baking.
- Be sure to seal the dough tightly around the cheese to avoid any rupture during cooking.
- You can substitute pizza dough with pretzel dough if desired for an even more authentic flavor.
- If you prefer gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese experience as the cheese hardens upon cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg