Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels combine the irresistible combination of warm, soft pretzels with gooey cheese and a spicy kick of jalapeño. The salty, doughy exterior of the pretzel pairs perfectly with the melted cheese filling and the slight heat from the jalapeños, creating a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. These stuffed pretzels are perfect for parties, game day, or any time you want to indulge in a comforting and flavorful treat.

The recipe walks you through how to make these cheesy, spicy pretzels from scratch, providing you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and ideas for variations. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, making these stuffed pretzels at home is a fun and rewarding experience. The result? Soft, chewy pretzels with a savory and spicy surprise inside that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels

• Cheesy Goodness: The warm, melted cheese filling is the star of the show. The combination of cheese with the heat of the jalapeños creates a flavorful, gooey filling that’s irresistible.
• Perfect Texture: These pretzels are soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside. When you bite into them, the warm cheese oozes out, providing a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
• A Kick of Spice: The jalapeños add just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the cheese. The level of spice can be adjusted depending on your preference, allowing you to control how mild or spicy the pretzels are.
• Made from Scratch: These pretzels are made from scratch, which means you can enjoy the fresh, homemade taste of pretzels without needing to go to a bakery. The dough is easy to make and requires simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Great for Sharing: Whether you’re having a casual get-together, a party, or just want a fun snack, these stuffed pretzels are great for sharing. They are customizable and easy to serve, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 8 pretzels
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per pretzel, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 7-9g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-4g

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling (optional)

For the Cheese and Jalapeño Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for a milder flavor, or left in for more heat)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Boiling:

• 10 cups water
• ⅓ cup baking soda

Brushing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast in the water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the activated yeast mixture to the flour. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form.

Once the dough starts coming together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. During this time, you can prepare the cheese and jalapeño filling.

2. Make the Cheese and Jalapeño Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese and jalapeño filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix all the ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. The cream cheese helps to bind the cheeses together and creates a creamy texture, while the jalapeños provide a fresh, spicy kick. If you like your pretzels spicier, you can add more jalapeños or even a little hot sauce to the mixture.

Once the filling is ready, set it aside until the dough has finished rising.

3. Shape the Pretzels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-15 inches long. Take each dough rope and carefully flatten it out with your hands to create a slightly wider surface that will hold the cheese filling.

Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and jalapeño filling into the center of each flattened dough rope. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling might leak out during baking. Once the filling is in place, fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal the pretzel. You want to ensure the filling is securely enclosed within the dough to prevent it from leaking during baking.

Next, shape each stuffed dough piece into a classic pretzel shape by twisting the ends of the dough rope and bringing them toward the center, forming a loop. Press the ends gently to seal the pretzel shape.

4. Boil the Pretzels

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda to the water. The baking soda will help the pretzels develop a beautiful golden-brown crust during baking.

Carefully drop the shaped pretzels into the boiling water, one or two at a time. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove it from the water and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and rich color.

Repeat this process for all of the pretzels, making sure to space them out on the baking sheet to allow for even baking.

5. Brush and Sprinkle the Pretzels

Once all the pretzels are boiled, brush each one with a beaten egg wash. The egg wash will give the pretzels a beautiful, shiny finish when they bake. You can also sprinkle coarse salt on top of each pretzel at this stage if you like the salty crunch.

6. Bake the Pretzels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the stuffed pretzels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Be sure to keep an eye on the pretzels during baking to avoid overbaking. The cheese filling should stay inside the pretzel, but some bubbling at the seams is normal.

Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cheese and jalapeño stuffed pretzels warm, either on their own or with a side of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a creamy cheese dip. They’re perfect for snacking, serving at a party, or enjoying with a cold drink.

Tips for Perfect Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise in your dough. If the yeast mixture doesn’t foam within 10 minutes, it may be expired, and you’ll need to start over.
• Don’t Overstuff the Pretzels: It can be tempting to add a lot of cheese, but overstuffing the pretzels can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling in each pretzel.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use a smaller amount. For a spicier pretzel, leave the seeds in or add additional jalapeños.
• Freeze for Later: These pretzels can be made in advance and frozen before boiling. Simply assemble the pretzels, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, boil them from frozen and bake as usual.

Variations of Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels

• Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Pretzels: Add crispy bacon pieces to the cheese filling for an extra savory punch.
• Cheddar and Green Chili Stuffed Pretzels: Substitute the jalapeños for green chilies for a milder flavor with a smoky twist.
• Herbed Cheese Stuffed Pretzels: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the cheese mixture for a fragrant and flavorful variation.
• Spicy Buffalo Pretzels: For a buffalo wing-inspired pretzel, mix the cheese filling with buffalo sauce and add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored for later use.

• At Room Temperature: Store cooled pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the pretzels for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
• Freeze: Pretzels can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake directly from frozen.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels

Pair these cheesy, spicy pretzels with some complementary sides:

• Guacamole and Chips: Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a satisfying snack platter.
• Crispy Fries: A side of crispy French fries, especially with a spicy ketchup or dipping sauce, is a great pairing for these pretzels.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pretzels.
• Beer: These pretzels are perfect for pairing with a cold beer, whether it’s a light lager, a hoppy IPA, or a dark stout.

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Conclusion

Cheese and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels are a delicious and satisfying treat that combines the chewy texture of homemade pretzels with the gooey goodness of cheese and a kick of spice from the jalapeños. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual snack, or just a fun weekend baking project, these pretzels are sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow and highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make them your own. With their irresistible flavor and perfect texture, these stuffed pretzels will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!