Crunchy Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe for Snack Lovers

Jalapeño cheddar pretzel twists bring a spicy kick to classic snack time with their bold, zesty flavor profile.

These twisted delights combine the sharp tang of melted cheese with the fiery punch of fresh peppers.

A perfect blend of crispy exterior and soft inner texture makes these pretzels irresistibly addictive.

Homemade snacks always taste better when you craft them with passion and personal flair.

The combination of sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños creates a mouthwatering contrast that awakens your taste buds.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of savory and heat that keeps you reaching for more.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to reinvent your snacking experience.

What to Serve with Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Pair with Hearty Beer Companions: Grab a hoppy IPA or a robust amber ale to complement the spicy jalapeños and rich cheddar cheese. The beer's crisp carbonation cuts through the pretzel's richness, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Create Zesty Dipping Sauces: Whip up a creamy chipotle ranch or tangy beer cheese sauce. These dips enhance the pretzel's spicy-cheesy profile and add an extra layer of deliciousness that keeps snackers coming back for more.
• Match with Cooling Appetizer Partners: Serve alongside fresh cucumber salsa or a light Greek yogurt dip. These cool, refreshing sides help temper the jalapeño heat and provide a crisp contrast to the warm, chewy pretzels.
• Complement with Laid-back Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. These wines' bright acidity and subtle flavors beautifully balance the pretzels' spicy and cheesy notes without overwhelming the palate.

Variations for More Cheesy or Spicy Twists

• Spicy Ranch Pretzel Crunch: Swap jalapenos with ranch seasoning mix and add dried dill for a tangy, zesty flavor profile that packs a herbal punch.
• Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites: Replace cheddar with grated parmesan cheese and incorporate roasted garlic chunks for an aromatic, savory twist that will make taste buds dance.
• Bacon Cheddar Soft Pretzels: Mix crispy chopped bacon bits into the dough alongside the cheddar cheese, creating a smoky, rich variation that brings hearty comfort to every bite.
• Mediterranean Herb Pretzel Swirls: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil into the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired version bursting with bright, fresh flavors.

Why Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Are Packed with Flavor

• Spice Up Your Snack Time: These jalapeno cheddar pretzel twists deliver a perfect kick of heat and cheesy goodness that transforms ordinary snacking into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Master Bakery-Style Technique at Home: The baking soda bath and twist-shaping method gives you professional-quality pretzels without leaving your kitchen, making you feel like an artisan baker with minimal effort.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: In under an hour, you'll create a crowd-pleasing treat that works brilliantly for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, guaranteeing impressed guests and empty plates.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredients and simple steps that allow home cooks of all skill levels to confidently create delicious, restaurant-worthy pretzels with their personal touch.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop gluten structure for soft pretzels.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with golden brown color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and strengthens gluten.
• Flour: Primary structure for pretzel dough, creates chewy texture.

• Jalapenos: Adds spicy kick and fresh pepper flavor to pretzels.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy taste and creamy texture.

• Hot Water: Used for boiling pretzels to create classic chewy exterior.
• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and traditional brown crust.
• Egg + Water: Creates golden, glossy egg wash for attractive appearance.
• Coarse Salt: Adds extra flavor and traditional pretzel topping.
• Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps salt stick to pretzels.

How to Make Homemade Pretzel Twists with Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Yeast Mixture

Grab a stand mixer bowl. Pour warm water and sprinkle yeast and sugar. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Minced jalapenos
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Remaining flour

Knead until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Craft Baking Soda Bath

Fill a large bowl with very hot water. Dissolve baking soda completely.

Step 4: Shape Pretzel Twists

Divide dough into four sections. Roll each section into long ropes. Cut each rope into three pieces. Twist each piece into classic pretzel shape.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Dunk each pretzel twist into baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Brush pretzels with egg wash. Sprinkle coarse salt across surface.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into oven preheated to 450°F. Bake 8-10 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 8: Final Glaze

Brush warm pretzels with melted butter for extra shine and rich flavor.

Tips to Get a Golden Crust and Soft Inside

• Proof Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a reliable rise.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which helps create the perfect pretzel texture.
• Control Moisture Wisely: Add flour gradually to prevent dry dough, aiming for a slightly tacky consistency that's not too sticky.
• Baking Soda Bath Secret: Fully submerge pretzels for exactly 30 seconds to achieve that classic golden-brown exterior and authentic pretzel flavor.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush pretzels evenly with egg wash for a shiny, rich golden color that makes your twists look professionally baked.

How to Store and Reheat Jalapeño Pretzel Twists

• Refrigeration: Store cooled pretzel twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each twist individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze pretzel twists in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their twisted shape.
• Reheating: Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with a light coating of butter before reheating to restore their original crispy exterior and soft interior.

Jalapeno Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Jalapeno cheddar pretzel twists bring spicy cheddar magic to classic pretzels with a zesty kick. Homemade comfort meets bold southwestern flavors that will make you crave another bite of these twisted, cheesy delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 cups flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 medium jalapenos, seeded and finely minced

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) warm water
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) very hot water
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup baking soda
• Coarse salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a searing 450 degrees fahrenheit and arrange parchment paper on a spacious baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl with dough hook. Allow the mixture to bloom and become bubbly, indicating active yeast development.
3. Incorporate salt into the frothy yeast mixture, then gradually fold in flour until a cohesive dough emerges. Gently knead in minced jalapenos and shredded cheddar, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
4. Create a baking soda solution by dissolving the powder in scalding hot water, which will contribute to the signature pretzel exterior.
5. Segment the dough into four equal portions. Transform each section into elongated ropes, then subdivide into three segments, yielding twelve individual pieces.
6. Elongate each piece into an 18-24 inch strand, then carefully fold and twist into classic pretzel configurations.
7. Immerse each twisted dough piece into the baking soda bath for half a minute, allowing the solution to coat the surface.
8. Return the soaked pretzels to the prepared baking sheet. Delicately brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt for enhanced flavor and texture.
9. Roast in the heated oven for 8-10 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
10. Once removed, lightly coat with melted butter to create a luxurious, glossy finish that amplifies the pretzel’s richness.

Notes

• Salvage leftover pretzels by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze unbaked pretzel twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future quick baking.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantities or removing seeds for milder flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg