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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup baking soda (for the pretzel bath) - Coarse sea salt (for topping) When making jalapeño cheddar stuffed pretzels, you need to gather all these ingredients first. The flour is the base for the dough. Yeast makes the dough rise and gives it a soft texture. Sugar helps the yeast work better. Salt adds flavor to the dough. For the cheesy filling, sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich taste. Jalapeños bring a spicy kick, and you can adjust the heat by choosing whether to keep the seeds or not. Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth to the flavor. Don’t forget the baking soda! It’s essential for the pretzel bath. This step gives the pretzels their classic chewy texture. Finally, coarse sea salt is the perfect topping, adding that crunch and savory flavor. Make sure you have everything ready. This will help you enjoy the cooking process. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Use 1 cup of warm water at 110°F (43°C). Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. After that time, check the mixture. It should look frothy and bubbly, showing that your yeast is active and ready to use. Next, we combine the dry and wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Make a well in the center of this mixture. Pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, form the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, it’s time to form the pretzels. Gently punch the dough down to release air. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12-14 inches long. Slightly flatten each rope and place a spoonful of the jalapeño cheddar mixture in the center. To seal, fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly. This way, the cheesy goodness stays inside. Shape each pretzel into a classic twist or any shape you like. Now, let’s prepare the pretzel bath. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the water. Carefully lower each stuffed pretzel into the boiling water. Boil for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on a lined baking sheet. Before baking, sprinkle coarse sea salt on each pretzel. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes. Look for a lovely golden-brown color. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a bit before serving. Enjoy your delicious Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels! Dough elasticity is key for great pretzels. If your dough is too dry, add a bit of water. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle flour a little at a time. Knead until smooth and stretchy. You know the pretzels are done when they are golden brown and firm when touched. Aim for 12 to 15 minutes in the oven for the best results. Storing stuffed pretzels is simple. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside warm. Pair these pretzels with tasty dips. Cheese dip adds a creamy touch. Spicy mustard gives a nice kick. For a fun presentation, serve them on a wooden board. Add small bowls of dip for a colorful look. This setup is perfect for parties or gatherings. Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: For the best flavor, use fresh jalapeños instead of jarred ones, and adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Knead Thoroughly: Ensure that you knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes to achieve that perfect, smooth, and elastic texture. Pretzel Bath Importance: Don't skip the baking soda bath! It gives the pretzels their signature flavor and chewy texture. Cool on a Rack: Allow the pretzels to cool on a wire rack to maintain their crispy exterior and prevent sogginess. {{image_4}} You can play around with the cheese in these pretzels. Instead of sharp cheddar, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and a milder taste. You can even mix cheeses for a unique flavor. Each option adds a different twist to the classic recipe. Don't stop at just cheese and jalapeños! You can add crispy bacon for a smoky flavor. Spinach adds a fresh green touch and pairs well with cheese. Try mixing in some cream cheese for extra creaminess. Be creative with your fillings to make each batch unique. You can change the dough to fit your needs. Whole wheat flour gives a nutty flavor and more fiber. If you are gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Both options keep the pretzel's texture while making them healthier. Adjusting the dough can make a big difference in taste and health. You can find great stuffed pretzels at local bakeries. Look for shops that make artisanal pretzels. Many of these places use fresh ingredients. They often have unique flavors, too. Ask for jalapeño cheddar if it's not on display. Some of my favorites include: - Pretzel Bakery: Known for their classic and stuffed options. - Artisan Pretzels: Offers gourmet versions with local ingredients. - The Pretzel Shop: A small chain with great taste and fresh pretzels. If you want stuffed pretzels delivered to your door, many brands offer them online. Here are a few I trust: - Gourmet Pretzel Co.: This brand has a variety of stuffed pretzels. - Pretzel Perfection: They ship fresh, tasty options right to you. - Mamma's Pretzels: Known for their jalapeño cheddar flavor. Food trucks often serve the best pretzels. You can enjoy them at local food festivals too. Here are some popular spots: - The Pretzel Truck: They specialize in stuffed pretzels made fresh daily. - Festival Foods: Many fairs feature food trucks with gourmet pretzels. - Local Food Events: Check the schedule for nearby festivals to find new flavors. These options make it easy to enjoy jalapeño cheddar stuffed pretzels, whether at home or out and about! To reduce the heat, you can modify the jalapeños. Here are some tips: - Remove the seeds and membranes. This part holds most heat. - Use fewer jalapeños in the filling. Start with one for a milder taste. - Consider using a milder pepper, like bell pepper, for a fresh flavor. - Mix in cream cheese with the cheddar. This adds creaminess and cools the spice. Yes, you can freeze stuffed pretzels. Here are the best practices: - Let the pretzels cool completely after baking. - Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap tightly. - Place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. - Label with the date. They last up to three months in the freezer. - To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, for best results. Homemade pretzels stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Here’s how to keep them: - Store in an airtight container to keep them soft. - For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. - Make sure to reheat them in the oven for a tasty bite. Making delicious stuffed pretzels at home is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients, like flour, cheese, and jalapeños. I provided step-by-step instructions for activating yeast, preparing dough, and perfecting the boiling and baking process. You learned tips for texture, storage, and great serving ideas. With variations like different cheese and alternative fillings, you can get creative. Whether you buy or make them, stuffed pretzels will impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite and make it your own!

Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels

Delicious pretzels filled with spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 to 3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor)
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 cup baking soda (for the pretzel bath)
  • to taste coarse sea salt (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the melted butter along with the yeast mixture.
  • Stir the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Form the kneaded dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 12-14 inches in length.
  • Slightly flatten each dough rope and place a generous spoonful of the jalapeño cheddar mixture in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges securely to seal each pretzel.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. Carefully lower each stuffed pretzel into the bubbling water and boil for about 30 seconds, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the top of each pretzel to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are a lovely golden-brown color. Once baked, let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Serve these warm pretzels on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by a bowl of creamy cheese dip or zesty spicy mustard for an added flavor punch!
Keyword cheddar, jalapeño, pretzels, snack