Ingredients

Dough

• 1½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
• 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 1¾ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft

Cooking Liquid

• 10 cups water
• ¾ cup baking soda

Fillings

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Optional Toppings

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Dough Preparation

1. Start the dough:
   • In the stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt.
   • Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes or until it begins to foam.
2. Add ingredients and knead:
   • Add rosemary, flour, and butter.
   • Knead on medium speed for 12 minutes.
3. First rise:
   • Cover the dough with a warm, damp cloth.
   • Place in a warm area to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Assembly and Baking

1. Prepare fillings:
   • Mix shredded mozzarella and Parmesan in a bowl.
   • Freeze until needed.
2. Preheat and prepare:
   • Preheat oven to 425°F.
   • Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Boil preparation:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 10 cups of water and ¾ cup of baking soda to a boil.
4. Shape dough:
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
   • Roll each piece into a 16-inch rope, then flatten to about 4 inches wide.
   • Evenly distribute 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture along each rope.
   • Roll back into a rope and seal the edges.
5. Form pretzels:
   • Shape each rope into a "U".
   • Cross the ends over and pinch onto the bottom to form pretzels.
6. Boil pretzels:
   • Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared sheets.
7. Bake:
   • Brush each pretzel with egg wash.
   • Bake for 16-18 minutes.

Finishing Touches

1. Cooling:
   • Allow pretzels to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Add toppings (optional):
   • Mix Parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
   • Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with the topping mixture.

Nutrition