If you’re a fan of warm, soft, and chewy pretzels with a spicy twist, then these Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels are going to be your new favorite treat. With the irresistible combination of melted cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños, these soft pretzels are the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Plus, they’re so fun to make, and the smell of them baking will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering goodness. Whether for game day, a party, or just because, these pretzels are sure to impress!
These homemade soft pretzels are buttery, cheesy, and slightly spicy, thanks to the addition of jalapeños. If you love a bit of heat and the satisfaction of pulling apart fresh, homemade pretzels, this recipe will definitely become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels
What’s better than a fresh, soft pretzel? A fresh, soft pretzel with melted cheddar cheese and the bold, zesty flavor of jalapeños. This recipe takes traditional soft pretzels to a whole new level with the added spice, cheese, and perfectly crisped top. If you enjoy savory snacks, these pretzels are going to be the highlight of your day. Here’s why they’re irresistible:
- Cheese and Spice – The melted cheddar cheese mixed with pickled jalapeños creates the perfect balance of creamy and spicy in every bite.
- Soft and Chewy – The pretzel dough is soft, chewy, and has the perfect texture. The baking soda bath gives them that iconic golden-brown crust.
- Perfect for Sharing – These pretzels are perfect for gatherings, game days, or anytime you want a snack that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make – While the pretzels may seem fancy, they are surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can make bakery-worthy pretzels in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious soft pretzels:
- Warm milk – This activates the yeast and helps the dough rise.
- Instant yeast – The leavening agent that makes the pretzels rise.
- Brown sugar – A little sweetness to balance the flavors and help activate the yeast.
- Butter – The butter adds richness and softness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour – The base for the pretzel dough.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the pretzels.
- Pickled jalapeños – These add a spicy kick that’s balanced by the creamy cheddar cheese.
- Baking soda – Used in the water bath to create that signature pretzel crust.
- Warm water – To dissolve the baking soda and create the water bath.
- Egg yolk – Gives the pretzels a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Coarse salt – For sprinkling on top, adding a perfect salty crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient that makes these pretzels cheesy and delicious.
Instructions:
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add 6 tablespoons of melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 18 inches long), then shape each rope into a pretzel shape by crossing the ends over each other and twisting them into a knot.
4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 3 cups of warm water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the water and stir until dissolved. One at a time, carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. This step helps create that signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust.
5. Bake the Pretzels: Place the dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the pretzels have puffed up.
6. Add the Cheddar and Jalapeños: While the pretzels are still hot, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños on top of each pretzel. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce (like mustard or ranch) or simply on their own!
Nutrition Information (Per Pretzel)
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Additional Tips
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder pretzel, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or leave them off entirely. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Storage: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for that freshly baked taste.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use a different cheese such as mozzarella or gouda. However, cheddar adds the best flavor for this recipe.
Q2: Can I freeze these pretzels?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the baked pretzels. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Q3: Can I make these pretzels without pickled jalapeños?
A3: You can definitely omit the pickled jalapeños if you prefer a milder pretzel. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, such as fresh herbs or garlic powder, for additional flavor.
Q4: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A4: Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Simply dissolve it in warm milk with the sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
Conclusion
These Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels are a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, homemade pretzels. With the right balance of cheese, spice, and salt, they’re sure to satisfy your snack cravings. Whether you’re enjoying them at home, sharing with friends, or serving them at your next gathering, these pretzels are sure to be a hit.
Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter melted (divided)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeños plus a few slices for topping
- Finish:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 3 cups warm water
- 1 egg yolk
- Coarse salt for topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Let sit for 10 minutes until the yeast activates. Stir in salt, then flour, and finally the chopped pickled jalapeños. Mix for 1-3 minutes until the dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead it. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s kneadable but still slightly tacky. Knead for 5-10 minutes. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Pretzel Bath: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). After the dough rises, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal pieces (depending on preferred size). Roll each piece into a 24-inch-long rope and shape into a pretzel.
- Pretzel Bath: Heat 3 cups of warm water in a medium pot and add the baking soda. Stir until dissolved. Gently dip each pretzel into the baking soda mixture for 10 seconds using a slotted spoon.
- Bake: Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse salt. Top with additional jalapeño slices and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden (closer to 10 minutes if you made 8 pretzels).
- Serve: Brush with the remaining melted butter and serve warm with salsa con queso. Enjoy!
