Description
Jalapeño Twists bring spicy Mexican charm to classic bread with a zesty kick. Cheesy, spiraled dough wrapped in pepper heat promises a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3–4 cups flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely minced
Dough Components:
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) warm water
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Finishing and Baking Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) very hot water
- ¼ cup (59 ml) baking soda
- 1 egg + 2 tablespoons water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix lukewarm water (110°F/43°C), active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the mixture to activate and become foamy for 7-8 minutes.
- Add kosher salt and gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Mix on medium speed until smooth and elastic.
- Finely dice fresh jalapeño peppers, removing seeds for milder heat. Grate sharp cheddar cheese and fold into the dough along with additional flour to achieve a slightly tacky consistency.
- Prepare a baking soda bath by dissolving of baking soda in of hot water, ensuring complete dissolution.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and divide into equal portions. Roll each portion into slender logs approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.
- Cut logs into bite-sized segments and gently twist each piece, creating an elegant spiral shape.
- Briefly submerge each twisted dough piece in the prepared baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds, which enhances browning and creates a distinctive pretzel-like exterior.
- Arrange twisted dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to prevent sticking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 9-11 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color and crisp edges.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted unsalted butter for added richness and shine. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Keep jalapeños fresh by removing seeds for milder heat and chopping finely to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Cheese selection matters: opt for sharp cheddar or pepper jack to complement the spicy jalapeño flavor and enhance overall taste.
- Twisting technique creates beautiful texture and helps dough cook uniformly, ensuring crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Baking soda bath gives pretzels signature golden-brown color and creates that classic chewy pretzel-like exterior.
- Warm butter brushing after baking adds rich flavor and gives twists a beautiful glossy finish that makes them irresistible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg