Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbs sugar

1 packet active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

2 tbs unsalted butter, melted

1 tbs 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

PREPARATION:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel with an egg wash (1 beaten egg) and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the melty mozzarella center!

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8

variations :

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Everything Bagel Pretzels: Before baking, top the pretzels with an “everything bagel” seasoning mix, which typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Egg Wash: Brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking to give them a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
5. 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:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the pretzels to cool completely at room temperature after baking. This prevents moisture buildup in the storage container.
2. Wrap Properly: Once cooled, wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
3. Use an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped pretzels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain their softness.
4. 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.
5. 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!

ENJOY!