Description
Spicy cheddar swirl pretzels with a jalapeno kick deliver a bold, zesty experience that ignites taste buds with sharp cheese and pepper heat. Crisp, twisted dough and fiery flavors make these pretzels an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium jalapenos, seeded and finely minced
- 34 cups flour
Dough Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (310 ml)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 cups very hot water (950 ml)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg + 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar in a stand mixer. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
- Incorporate salt into the activated yeast mixture, then gradually fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms. The texture should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Carefully fold chopped jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough, ensuring even distribution of spicy and cheesy elements throughout.
- Prepare a baking soda bath by dissolving the powder in hot water, which will help create the signature pretzel crust and golden exterior.
- Divide the dough into four equal sections, then further separate each section into three smaller pieces, creating uniform dough segments.
- Transform each dough segment into a long, slender rope approximately 18-24 inches in length. Fold the rope in half and twist the two segments together, creating an intricate pretzel shape.
- Gently immerse each twisted pretzel into the baking soda bath for roughly 30 seconds, which helps develop a deep brown color and distinctive pretzel flavor.
- Arrange the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse salt to enhance flavor and texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the pretzels achieve a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, brush the warm pretzels with melted butter to add a final layer of richness and shine.
Notes
- Choose fresh jalapeños for maximum heat and flavor, removing seeds will reduce spiciness for sensitive palates.
- Ensure yeast is fresh and active by checking for frothy reaction when mixed with warm water to guarantee perfect dough rise.
- Add extra shredded cheddar on top before baking for more intense cheese flavor and crispy cheese edges.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of pretzel twists.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg