Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary and Parmesan Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (between 110-115 degrees F)


• 1 package Rapid Rise yeast


• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sugar


• 1 and 3/4 teaspoons salt


• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped


• 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour


• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft

Cooking Liquid:

• 10 cups water


• 3/4 cup baking soda

Fillings:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded


• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten


• 1 tablespoon water

Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)


• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated


• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary


• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder


• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper


• Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the Dough:

1. Combine water, yeast, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand
   mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until
   mixture begins to foam.


2. Add the rosemary, flour and butter and knead on medium-speed
   for 12 minutes.


3. Cover dough with a warm damp cloth and place in a warm area
   of your house to rise for an hour, or until dough has doubled in size.

Assembly and Cooking:

1. Combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan in a
   small bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer until needed.


2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Line two large baking
   sheets with parchment paper; set aside.


3. Add water and baking soda to a large pot or dutch oven;
   bring to a boil.


4. In the meantime...


5. Divide dough into 8 equal rounds.


6. Roll each round out into a 16" rope.


7. Roll each rope out so it's 4 inches wide.


8. Remove cheese from freezer. Add 2 tablespoons of cheese
   filling evenly along the rope.


9. Tightly roll the dough back into rope, jelly roll style,
   pinching the edges together.


10. Make a U shape with each rope of dough, holding the ends.


11. Cross the ends over each other, pinching ends onto the
    bottom of the dough.


12. Place pretzels - one at a time - into the boiling cooking
    liquid. Cook for 30 seconds each. Remove pretzels with a slotted spoon,
    allowing any excess water to drip back into the pot before transferring to
    prepared baking sheet.


13. Once all pretzels have been boiled, brush the tops of each
    with egg wash.


14. Place pan in the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes.


15. Allow pretzels to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes
    before touching.

If using the extra topping:

1. In a small bowl combine the cheese, rosemary, garlic powder,
   pepper, and salt. Brush the top of each pretzel with melted butter, then
   sprinkle on topping. Eat at once! 

Base Recipe adapted from this SITE

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