Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe
These Parmesan Soft Pretzels are delightfully soft, cheesy, and infused with fresh rosemary for an aromatic twist. Perfectly golden and sprinkled with coarse sea salt, they make an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare at home. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a melty, flavorful center, while the dough is tender with a slight crisp on the outside.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast (Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to the saltiness of the cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (A touch of sweetness elevates the flavor)
- 1.5 cups Warm Water (110°F) (Using a thermometer ensures accuracy for perfect dough)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Olive oil can be used for a dairy-free option)
Flavorings & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (Dried rosemary can replace fresh, but reduce to 1 teaspoon)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Try cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (cubed) (Feel free to experiment with other cheeses for varied flavors)
- Coarse Sea Salt to taste (Use to your taste for that perfect salty crunch)
- Water and Baking Soda for boiling (approx. 10 cups water and 2/3 cup baking soda, not listed but necessary)
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups warm water (110°F), 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Allow the mixture to foam and become bubbly for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Prepare Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. Knead the dough with a stand mixer for 5 minutes or by hand for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add Flavorings: Gently fold 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the dough until evenly distributed. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air, and divide into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and place a cubed piece of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the cheese, then roll and twist the ends to shape each into a classic pretzel form.
- Boil Pretzels: In a large saucepan, bring about 10 cups of water to a rolling boil and add 2/3 cup baking soda. Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spatula and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess water.
- Bake: Brush each pretzel generously with melted unsalted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt to your taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm for best flavor and melty cheese center.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- Use fresh instant yeast for the best rise; expired yeast may result in dense dough.
- Dried rosemary can be substituted for fresh, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for varied flavors.
- Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water gives them their characteristic chewy crust and shiny exterior.
- Brush with olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure water is at the correct temperature (110°F) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: soft pretzels, parmesan pretzels, homemade pretzels, rosemary pretzels, cheesy soft pretzels, snack recipe