Description
Cheddar Jalapeño Soft Pretzels are a delicious twist on the classic soft pretzel, featuring a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños and gooey sharp cheddar cheese. These pretzels have a soft, chewy texture with a golden brown crust, perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Toppings and Finishing
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or chunked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast. Add flour, salt, and finely chopped jalapeños, then mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, fully incorporating the jalapeños.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and form classic pretzel shapes by making a U, twisting the ends twice, and pressing them down firmly onto the base of the U.
- Boil with Baking Soda: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot with 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling solution for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Gently stuff or top each pretzel with sharp cheddar cheese, pressing lightly so the cheese sticks and melts into the dough. Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the pretzels from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter to soften the crust and add shine and flavor. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Be sure the water is warm but not too hot to activate yeast properly.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a slotted spoon for boiling pretzels to easily remove them without water.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with any other preferred cheese.
- Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
