Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels Savory and Simple

Name: Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water (110°F); 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon salt; ½ cup baking soda; 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2-3 pieces jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat); to taste coarse sea salt for sprinkling

December 3, 2025February 11, 2025 by Lauren

Are you ready to elevate your snack game? In this post, I’m sharing my simple recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels that burst with flavor! These warm, cheesy treats are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. I’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the best pretzels. Let’s dive in and make snacking fun and delicious!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The spicy kick from jalapeños paired with the creamy sharp cheddar creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
Fun to Make: Shaping pretzels is a fun culinary activity that everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for family cooking sessions.
Perfect for Sharing: These pretzels are great for parties or gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm, cheesy snack together.
Customization Options: You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, making it a versatile recipe for all palates.

Ingredients

Detailed list of ingredients

– 2 cups warm water (110°F)

– 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

– 5 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon salt

– ½ cup baking soda

– 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Ingredients substitutes

– If you don’t have warm water, use room temperature water.

– You can swap active dry yeast with instant yeast for a quicker rise.

– If you want a milder cheese, try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

– For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

– If fresh jalapeños are not available, use pickled jalapeños instead.

– You can use baking powder instead of baking soda, but it changes the taste.

Measurement tips for accuracy

– Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements.

– When measuring liquids, use a clear measuring cup to avoid spills.

– Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge for accuracy.

– For sticky dough, keep your hands and surfaces lightly floured.

– Always check oven temperature with an oven thermometer for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the yeast mixture

Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar. Use about 2 cups of warm water at 110°F. Add 1 packet of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form on the surface. This means your yeast is active and ready.

Dough mixing and kneading process

In a large bowl, whisk together 5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Gradually pour in your yeast mixture. Mix it until a dough starts to form. Now, it is time to knead. Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, put the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and filling the pretzels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Slightly flatten the rope. Place 1 tablespoon of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a few chopped jalapeños in the center. Fold the dough over the filling. Pinch it to seal. Now twist the ends together to shape it into a pretzel. Fold the ends down to the center.

Next, you will poach the pretzels. Boil about 10 cups of water in a large pot and add ½ cup of baking soda. Be careful, as it will bubble. Gently drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon. Place the pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Finally, bake them in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

How to achieve the perfect dough texture

To get the best dough, use warm water at 110°F. This helps the yeast grow. Mix the yeast with sugar and water first. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This shows the yeast is active. When adding flour, mix gently at first. Then knead for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour.

Best practices for sealing the pretzels

When filling the pretzels, use about a tablespoon of cheese and jalapeños. Place the filling in the center of the dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling carefully. Pinch the edges tightly to avoid leaks. If needed, wet your fingers to help seal it better. Make sure no filling peeks out. This keeps the cheese inside while baking.

Recommended baking techniques for golden brown results

Before baking, boil each pretzel in water mixed with baking soda. This creates a nice crust. Boil them for about 30 seconds. After boiling, place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny look. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking. Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a deep golden color. This means your pretzels are ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños will provide a vibrant flavor and a slight crunch. If you prefer more heat, keep some seeds in the filling!
Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten structure in the dough, ensuring your pretzels are chewy and have the perfect texture.
Boiling is Key: The baking soda bath is essential for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and dark brown crust. Don’t skip this step!
Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on your stuffed pretzels.

Variations

Changing up the cheese options

You can swap the cheddar for other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey inside. Cream cheese adds a rich and smooth texture. Pepper jack gives a spicy kick. You can also mix different cheeses for more flavor. Just remember to shred the cheese for easy melting.

Adjusting the spice level with jalapeños

Jalapeños can be mild or hot. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. You can also use fewer jalapeños. For more spice, add extra jalapeños or try serrano peppers. You can even use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist. Adjust the spice to fit your taste.

Alternate fillings for unique flavors

Get creative with your fillings! You can add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty treat. Spinach and feta create a fresh and tasty option. For a sweet twist, try adding chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, so experiment with what you love. Have fun with different flavors!

Storage Info

How to store leftover pretzels

To store leftover pretzels, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and fresh. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Reheating instructions for freshness

To reheat pretzels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10 minutes. This method restores their crispy outside and soft inside. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 15-20 seconds, but this may make them a bit chewy.

Freezing options for long-term storage

If you want to freeze your pretzels, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for the best taste.

FAQs

How can I make Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffed Pretzels in advance?

You can easily prepare these pretzels ahead of time. Make the dough and fill it with cheese and jalapeños. After shaping, place each pretzel on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough rise again. Then, boil and bake as usual.

Can I use gluten-free flour for these pretzels?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend designed for yeast baking. This helps the pretzels rise and stay soft. Follow the same steps in the recipe. However, the texture may differ from traditional pretzels. They might be denser but still tasty.

What are some good dips to serve with pretzels?

Several dips pair well with these pretzels. Here are a few tasty options:

– Spicy mustard

– Cheese sauce

– Ranch dressing

– Salsa

– Creamy jalapeño dip

These dips add extra flavor and make the pretzels even more fun to eat!

In this article, we explored how to make delicious pretzels. We covered key ingredients, provided substitutes, and gave measurement tips. The step-by-step instructions guide you through yeast prep, dough mixing, and shaping. We shared tips for perfect texture and baking. You can even try different cheese and spice options.

Enjoy these pretzels fresh or stored for later. With the right care, you’ll savor every bite. Get creative with flavors and dips for your perfect snack. Happy bakin

$- 2 cups warm water (110°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 5 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon salt - ½ cup baking soda - 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat) - Coarse sea salt for sprinkling - If you don't have warm water, use room temperature water. - You can swap active dry yeast with instant yeast for a quicker rise. - If you want a milder cheese, try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack. - For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - If fresh jalapeños are not available, use pickled jalapeños instead. - You can use baking powder instead of baking soda, but it changes the taste. - Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements. - When measuring liquids, use a clear measuring cup to avoid spills. - Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge for accuracy. - For sticky dough, keep your hands and surfaces lightly floured. - Always check oven temperature with an oven thermometer for best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar. Use about 2 cups of warm water at 110°F. Add 1 packet of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form on the surface. This means your yeast is active and ready. In a large bowl, whisk together 5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Gradually pour in your yeast mixture. Mix it until a dough starts to form. Now, it is time to knead. Place the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, put the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Slightly flatten the rope. Place 1 tablespoon of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a few chopped jalapeños in the center. Fold the dough over the filling. Pinch it to seal. Now twist the ends together to shape it into a pretzel. Fold the ends down to the center. Next, you will poach the pretzels. Boil about 10 cups of water in a large pot and add ½ cup of baking soda. Be careful, as it will bubble. Gently drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon. Place the pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Finally, bake them in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. To get the best dough, use warm water at 110°F. This helps the yeast grow. Mix the yeast with sugar and water first. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy. This shows the yeast is active. When adding flour, mix gently at first. Then knead for 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour. When filling the pretzels, use about a tablespoon of cheese and jalapeños. Place the filling in the center of the dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling carefully. Pinch the edges tightly to avoid leaks. If needed, wet your fingers to help seal it better. Make sure no filling peeks out. This keeps the cheese inside while baking. Before baking, boil each pretzel in water mixed with baking soda. This creates a nice crust. Boil them for about 30 seconds. After boiling, place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny look. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking. Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a deep golden color. This means your pretzels are ready to enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños will provide a vibrant flavor and a slight crunch. If you prefer more heat, keep some seeds in the filling! Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten structure in the dough, ensuring your pretzels are chewy and have the perfect texture. Boiling is Key: The baking soda bath is essential for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and dark brown crust. Don’t skip this step! Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on your stuffed pretzels. {{image_2}} You can swap the cheddar for other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey inside. Cream cheese adds a rich and smooth texture. Pepper jack gives a spicy kick. You can also mix different cheeses for more flavor. Just remember to shred the cheese for easy melting. Jalapeños can be mild or hot. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. You can also use fewer jalapeños. For more spice, add extra jalapeños or try serrano peppers. You can even use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Get creative with your fillings! You can add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty treat. Spinach and feta create a fresh and tasty option. For a sweet twist, try adding chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, so experiment with what you love. Have fun with different flavors! To store leftover pretzels, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and fresh. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat pretzels, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10 minutes. This method restores their crispy outside and soft inside. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 15-20 seconds, but this may make them a bit chewy. If you want to freeze your pretzels, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for the best taste. You can easily prepare these pretzels ahead of time. Make the dough and fill it with cheese and jalapeños. After shaping, place each pretzel on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough rise again. Then, boil and bake as usual. Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend designed for yeast baking. This helps the pretzels rise and stay soft. Follow the same steps in the recipe. However, the texture may differ from traditional pretzels. They might be denser but still tasty. Several dips pair well with these pretzels. Here are a few tasty options: - Spicy mustard - Cheese sauce - Ranch dressing - Salsa - Creamy jalapeño dip These dips add extra flavor and make the pretzels even more fun to eat! In this article, we explored how to make delicious pretzels. We covered key ingredients, provided substitutes, and gave measurement tips. The step-by-step instructions guide you through yeast prep, dough mixing, and shaping. We shared tips for perfect texture and baking. You can even try different cheese and spice options. Enjoy these pretzels fresh or stored for later. With the right care, you’ll savor every bite. Get creative with flavors and dips for your perfect snack. Happy baking!$