Description
These Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels combine soft, chewy pretzel dough with gooey, spicy jalapeño cheese for a delicious homemade snack. The pretzels are boiled briefly in a baking soda bath for that iconic chewy crust, then baked to golden perfection and topped with Parmesan or coarse sea salt. Perfect as a savory appetizer or a satisfying treat for cheese lovers who enjoy a little heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Filling
- 1 lb jalapeño cheese (or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch pieces
Baking Soda Bath
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese or coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water at 110°F. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix in Oil: Stir in the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Knead: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: Cut the jalapeño cheese into 1-inch pieces and set aside for stuffing.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Shape and Stuff Pretzels: Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. Flatten slightly and place the jalapeño cheese pieces down the center. Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal completely, then reshape the rope and twist it into a pretzel shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Bring 4 cups of water and ⅓ cup baking soda to a boil on the stovetop, then remove from heat.
- Boil Pretzels: Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds to develop the signature chewy crust, then return them to the baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese or coarse sea salt as desired.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving to avoid burning from the hot, melted cheese inside.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast is at the correct temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Sealing the dough properly around the cheese is important to prevent leaks during boiling and baking.
- The baking soda bath is key to achieving the characteristic pretzel crust—a quick dip before baking develops this texture.
- Substitute jalapeño cheese with pepper jack or another spicy cheese if preferred.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
- Adjust oven rack position to the middle for even baking.
