Description
These Twisted Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels are the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and savory goodness! Soft, warm pretzels are infused with zesty jalapeños and gooey cheddar cheese, then twisted into a perfect shape for dipping and snacking. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a snack, they’ll be a hit with anyone who loves a bit of heat with their cheese!
Ingredients
Units
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For the Pretzel Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Additional chopped jalapeños (for garnish)
- Coarse sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface, until smooth and elastic.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños. Continue kneading for another 1–2 minutes to evenly distribute the cheese and jalapeños.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18 inches long).
- Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.
Step 3: Boil the Pretzels
- In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Carefully drop each twisted pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to give it a golden color.
- Bake the pretzels for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, garlic powder, and extra chopped jalapeños for added flavor and heat.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like cheese sauce or spicy ranch.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: If you like more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the dough or add crushed red pepper flakes to the topping.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese, such as monterey jack or pepper jack, for extra flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pretzels before baking. To bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg