Jalapeno Cheddar Pretzel Twists

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Pretzel Twists offer a flavorful punch thanks to the melty cheese and spicy jalapenos, while the soft and slightly salty pretzel dough provides the perfect base. They’re easy to make at home and come together quickly, making them perfect for a snack or appetizer. These pretzels are also customizable—adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos, and try different cheeses if desired.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)

For boiling:

• 4 cups water

• 1/4 cup baking soda

For the topping:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the filling:

• While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos. Set aside.

3. Shape the pretzel twists:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-15 inches in length.

• Lay each dough rope flat and spoon a small amount of the cheese and jalapeno filling along the center of the rope. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal it.

• Twist the filled dough rope into a pretzel shape, then place the shaped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.

4. Boil the pretzels:

• In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.

• Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them back on the baking sheet. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.

5. Bake the pretzels:

• Brush the boiled pretzels with the melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and crisp.

6. Serve:

• Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ranch, or even more melted cheese.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 pretzel twists.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Rising Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Different cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Add more heat: If you like extra spice, add more diced jalapenos or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.

• Cheese dip: Serve with a creamy cheese dip or spicy mustard for dipping.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the pretzels in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to warm them up and bring back their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

2. Can I freeze these pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pretzels before boiling. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil the frozen pretzels and then bake as directed.

3. Can I use other fillings?

Yes, you can customize the filling by using other ingredients such as cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even a combination of different cheeses.

4. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

You can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time, but homemade dough will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavor.

5. Can I make these pretzels without the jalapenos?

Yes, if you prefer a milder version, you can simply omit the jalapenos or replace them with another mild ingredient like bell peppers or spinach.

6. How do I know when the pretzels are done baking?

The pretzels are done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. They should have a soft and chewy interior.

7. Can I make these pretzels smaller or larger?

Yes, you can make smaller or larger pretzels by adjusting the size of the dough portions. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. Can I make these pretzels with a different shape?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can shape them into circles or other fun shapes for variety.

9. Can I make these pretzels without boiling them first?

Boiling is an important step in getting that chewy texture for traditional pretzels, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it. However, the texture won’t be quite the same.

10. How can I make the pretzels extra cheesy?

You can sprinkle some shredded cheese over the pretzels right before baking, or stuff extra cheese inside for a gooey center.

Conclusion

Jalapeno Cheddar Pretzel Twists are a fun and flavorful twist on classic pretzels. With the perfect balance of spicy jalapenos and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a soft, chewy pretzel dough, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these pretzels will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to your liking

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