For the Pretzel Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Mozzarella Filling:

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Baking Soda Bath:

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup baking soda

For the Topping:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh rosemary leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Pretzel Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Mozzarella Filling:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the mozzarella cubes, fresh rosemary, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside.

Shape the Pretzels:

1. Divide the Dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
   Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long.

2. Stuff the Pretzels:
   Place a small amount of the mozzarella filling in the center of each dough rope.
   Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the ends to seal. Shape each piece into a pretzel shape, ensuring that the cheese is completely enclosed.

Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

1. Make the Bath:
   In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.

2. Boil the Pretzels:
   Carefully drop each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time. Boil for about 30 seconds per pretzel, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Pretzels:

1. Bake the Pretzels:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Once the pretzels are boiled, sprinkle each one with grated Parmesan cheese and a little fresh rosemary for garnish.
   Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Serve:

1. Enjoy:
   Remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, like marinara or mustard.