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Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels

Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels

Soft, salty pretzels loaded with sharp cheddar and bits of fresh jalapeño for a cozy, cheesy kick. Perfect warm from the oven with your favorite dip.
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Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup warm water about 110°F
  • 1.5 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast
  • 4.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for dough
  • 1.75 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 0.33 cup finely chopped jalapeño seeded
  • 8 cup water for baking soda bath
  • 0.5 cup baking soda for bath
  • 3 tbsp beaten egg for wash
  • 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • 1.5 tbsp coarse salt for topping
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for brushing
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar for sprinkling, optional
  • 0.25 cup thin jalapeño slices optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Stir warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle in yeast and let stand until foamy, 5–10 minutes.
  • Mix in flour, sea salt, and garlic powder. Add melted butter and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Fold in chopped jalapeño and shredded cheddar. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, 6–8 minutes.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 450°F. Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a wide pot, then carefully stir in baking soda.
  • Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a 20–22 inch rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes.
  • Boil pretzels in the baking soda bath, 25–30 seconds per side. Lift out and drain well.
  • Line sheets with parchment. Whisk beaten egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush pretzels, then sprinkle coarse salt, extra cheddar, and jalapeño slices if using.
  • Bake until deep golden brown, 12–14 minutes.
  • Brush hot pretzels with melted butter. Cool 5 minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Swap in pepper jack for extra heat, or use pickled jalapeños for a tangy bite. Leftovers keep 2 days in an airtight container; reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes or freeze up to 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.