Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels
Soft, flavorful pretzels made from a buttery dough, topped with sharp cheddar and jalapeños, and finished with garlic butter. Perfect for parties, snacks, or game days.
8 Servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F / 45°C
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
For the Topping:
- 1 cup sliced jalapeños pickled or fresh
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5–7 minutes, or until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is properly activated.
Prepare the Dough:
- Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–4 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm location for 20 minutes.
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and ¼ cup baking soda to a gentle boil.
Shape the Pretzels:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope. One at a time, dip the ropes into the boiling baking soda bath for 10 seconds using tongs. Place each onto the prepared baking sheet and form into classic pretzel shapes.
Add Toppings and Bake:
- Top each shaped pretzel with several slices of jalapeño and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Apply Garlic Butter Finish:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and garlic powder. As soon as the pretzels are out of the oven, brush each one generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm for best results.
Notes
To prepare these pretzels gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Please note that the dough may have a slightly different texture and may require a bit more flour to handle and shape. Avoid any flour blends labeled "cup-for-cup" without xanthan gum unless you add it separately. Also, verify that your baking powder and pickled jalapeños are certified gluten-free.