Description
Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels are a delicious snack combining soft, chewy pretzel dough with gooey sharp cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeño peppers for a perfect balance of cheesy warmth and spicy kick. Ideal for game days, cozy nights, or anytime craving a flavorful, savory treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
- 2 fresh jalapeños, chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Toppings
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by stirring it into warm water and letting it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, melted butter, diced cheddar, and chopped jalapeños. Add the yeast mixture and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, roughly 8-10 minutes. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 8-10 pieces). Roll each piece into a long rope, then twist into the classic pretzel shape, ensuring the ends are pinched and tucked securely underneath.
- Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling bath for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Salt and Bake: Sprinkle the pretzels generously with coarse salt and extra shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked pretzels to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly to avoid sogginess and set the texture. Serve warm with your preferred dips.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños for the best balanced heat and flavor.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath to ensure a proper pretzel crust and golden color.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for ideal texture.
- Distribute cheddar cheese evenly throughout the dough to avoid weighing it down.
- Monitor oven temperature closely as it may vary; avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cheddar, jalapeño, soft pretzels, snack, cheesy, spicy, appetizer, baking