Perfect Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe for Snack Lovers

Jalapeño cheddar pretzel twists deliver a fiery punch that reimagines ordinary snacking into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

These tantalizing treats blend the classic comfort of soft pretzels with a spicy, cheesy twist that awakens your taste buds.

Crisp on the outside and pillowy within, each pretzel promises a delightful textural experience that keeps you reaching for more.

The bold jalapeño kick mingles seamlessly with rich, melted cheddar, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tingles and satisfies.

Handcrafted with care, these pretzels elevate simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sensation that defies expectations.

Homemade goodness meets bold flavor in a snack that’s impossible to resist.

Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists: A Spicy Twist

• Spice Up Your Snack: Jalapeño cheddar pretzels deliver a zesty kick that transforms ordinary baking into an exciting culinary adventure. The minced jalapeños provide a perfect heat level without overwhelming your taste buds.
• Cheesy Comfort Meets Bakery Magic: Cheddar cheese melted throughout the dough creates irresistible pockets of gooey, savory goodness. Each twist promises a delightful combination of soft bread and sharp cheese flavors.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: These pretzels come together in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous cooking sessions. The stand mixer does most of the work, allowing even novice bakers to achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.
• Protein-Packed Party Snack: Delivering 5g of protein per serving, these twists work beautifully as a satisfying game day appetizer or casual gathering treat. Their golden brown exterior and sprinkle of coarse salt make them visually appealing and universally crowd-pleasing.

Must-Have Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Warm Water: Essential liquid for activating yeast and creating dough structure.
• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for dough rising and developing flavor.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Primary dry ingredient for dough formation and texture.

• Jalapeños: Fresh peppers that add spicy kick and vibrant green color.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese providing rich, tangy flavor to pretzels.

• Egg: Creates golden-brown shine and helps seasonings stick.
• Coarse Salt: Adds classic pretzel seasoning and textural crunch.
• Baking Soda: Creates traditional pretzel crust and dark exterior.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps seasonings adhere after baking.

Pairing Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists with Dips

• Spice Up Your Sip: Pair these zesty jalapeño cheddar pretzels with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra, which cuts through the heat and complements the cheesy flavor.
• Cool Down the Fire: Serve alongside a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip that balances the spicy jalapeños and provides a smooth, cooling contrast to the sharp cheddar.
• Beer Lover's Dream: Match these pretzels with a hoppy IPA or amber ale, where the beer's maltiness enhances the pretzel's richness and the hops stand up to the jalapeño kick.
• Casual Party Pleaser: Create a snack platter with sliced salami, pickled vegetables, and a mild goat cheese to round out the flavor profile and offer guests a variety of tastes.

Fun Variations of Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Spicy Pepper Jack Pretzels: Swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick, adding diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to intensify the heat.
• Herb and Garlic Savory Knots: Replace jalapeños with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme, mix in roasted garlic, and top with grated parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels: Incorporate crispy chopped bacon bits into the dough, use sharp cheddar, and garnish with green onions for a hearty, smoky flavor profile.
• Green Chile Cheese Pretzels: Substitute jalapeños with roasted green chiles, blend in queso fresco, and dust with smoked paprika for a southwestern-style appetizer that packs a flavorful punch.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 450°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Warm water
• Yeast
• Sugar

• Minced jalapeños
• Cheddar cheese

Continue adding flour until the dough feels tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Prepare Pretzel Bath and Egg Wash

• Egg
• Water

Step 4: Shape the Pretzels

Divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each section into logs, then cut each log into 3 pieces. Shape each piece into a rope, fold in half, and create a twist.

Step 5: Dip and Dress the Pretzels

Dunk each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the pretzels turn golden brown. Let cool slightly, then brush with melted butter before serving.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy pretzel texture.
• Handle Dough with Care: Knead gently and avoid overworking to keep pretzels tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Balance Jalapeño Heat: Remove seeds for milder flavor or keep them for extra spiciness, adjusting to personal preference.
• Master Baking Soda Bath: Fully submerge pretzels for 30 seconds to achieve that classic dark, crispy pretzel exterior.
• Egg Wash Trick: Apply evenly with a pastry brush for a glossy, golden-brown finish that makes pretzels look professionally baked.

Storing and Reheating Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Storing Leftovers: Wrap cooled pretzels individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate in an airtight container for extended preservation, keeping them tasty for 3-4 days.
• Reheating Options: Revive pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and soft interior. Alternatively, use a toaster oven for quick, even warming. Microwave as a last resort, heating in 15-second intervals to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists bring spicy comfort to classic snacking with bold cheddar and fiery peppers. Crisp, golden pretzels promise a zesty kick that satisfies your craving for something deliciously unexpected.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3–4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• Coarse salt for sprinkling

Wet Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) warm water
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) very hot water
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely minced

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 450°F (232°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F/43°C), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a stand mixer. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
3. Incorporate salt into the yeast mixture, then gradually add of all-purpose flour. Fold in finely chopped jalapeño peppers and shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to mix while slowly introducing the remaining flour until the dough reaches a tacky consistency.
4. Create the baking soda bath by dissolving baking soda in of hot water (200°F/93°C). Prepare the egg wash by whisking one whole egg with of water in a separate small bowl.
5. Divide the dough into four equal sections. Roll each section into a log, then cut each log into three pieces. Elongate each piece into a rope, fold in half, and twist to create the classic pretzel shape.
6. Submerge each pretzel in the baking soda solution for 30 seconds, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, then generously brush with the egg wash.
7. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the pretzels, ensuring even distribution for consistent seasoning.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching for a golden brown color and crisp exterior.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Brush with melted unsalted butter to enhance flavor and shine before serving warm.

Notes

• Mastering pretzel dough requires patience and gentle handling to achieve the perfect texture.
• Jalapeños add a spicy kick that transforms ordinary pretzels into a bold, exciting snack.
• Cheddar cheese melts beautifully throughout the dough, creating pockets of rich, tangy flavor.
• Twisting technique matters – aim for tight, even folds to ensure uniform baking and appealing presentation.
• Baking soda bath gives pretzels their signature golden-brown crust and distinctive chewy exterior.
• Fresh pretzels taste best when served warm, allowing the cheese and jalapeño flavors to shine.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg