I have to admit, these Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe have completely elevated my snack game. The combination of soft, buttery pretzel dough twisted with sharp cheddar and jalapeño heat is absolutely irresistible.
I love how simple they are to make, yet they always look and taste like a labor of love. Whether it’s game day, a cozy movie night, or a party spread, these pretzel twists steal the show every single time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need to create these mouthwatering pretzel twists is right here.
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet chewy dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and effortlessly.
- 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors in the dough.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a slight touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Makes the dough rich and buttery.
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings rich, melty cheesiness to every bite.
- 2–3 jalapeños, thinly sliced: Adds heat and color to the twists.
- 1/4 cup coarse sea salt: Provides that signature pretzel finish.
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 1/4 cup baking soda: Creates the iconic pretzel flavor and texture when boiled with water.
- 4 cups water: Necessary for the baking soda solution.
Note: This recipe makes about 8–10 pretzel twists, perfect for sharing.
Delicious Variations to Try
Switch things up to suit your taste with these fun twists on the recipe!
- Milder Option: Replace jalapeños with sliced bell peppers for less heat.
- Extra Flavor: Mix smoked paprika or Italian seasoning into the dough.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Cooking Time Breakdown
You won’t believe how quickly these pretzel twists come together!
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Get everything in place to make these pretzel twists effortlessly.
- Large bowl: Essential for mixing and kneading the dough.
- Stand mixer (optional): Saves time and effort for kneading.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Used for boiling the baking soda water.
- Baking sheets: Ensures even baking of the pretzel twists.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for brushing melted butter over the twists.
How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists?
Don’t be intimidated by homemade pretzels! These easy steps break it all down.
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add the salt, garlic powder, sugar, and melted butter, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the baking soda bath.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzel Twists
Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope. Sprinkle shredded cheddar along the length of each rope and press slices of jalapeño into the dough. Twist two ropes together to form a braided pretzel shape, pressing the ends lightly to seal.
Step 3: Boil in a Baking Soda Bath
Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, dip each twist into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden color.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Transfer the boiled twists to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter, sprinkle more cheddar cheese, and press in additional jalapeño slices. Finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the twists for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Serve them warm with your favorite dips!
Additional Tips for Making Pretzel Twists
From my experience, these tips will make sure your pretzels are flawless every time!
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: It gives the pretzels their chewy texture and shiny finish.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your heat tolerance.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists?
Presentation can elevate these pretzel twists even more! Arrange them on a wooden board or platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like beer cheese, spicy mustard, or even ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary for a touch of elegance, and serve alongside a cold drink like beer or lemonade.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’ll enjoy with each pretzel twist!
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Even though they’re best fresh, these pretzel twists can be prepped in advance!
- Prepare Ahead: Shape the twists and refrigerate before the baking soda bath. When ready to bake, simply boil, top, and bake.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their chewy texture. They can also be frozen and reheated directly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These pretzel twists have all the ingredients for a winning snack!
- Foolproof Dough: Even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños make every bite memorable.
- Quick and Simple: They come together in under an hour, making them an easy go-to snack.
- Shareable and Fun: Their fun shape is perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Make these Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists once, and you’ll be looking for every excuse to bake them again. Trust me, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Twists Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 –3 jalapeños thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add the salt, garlic powder, sugar, and melted butter, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the baking soda bath.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope. Sprinkle shredded cheddar along the length of each rope and press slices of jalapeño into the dough. Twist two ropes together to form a braided pretzel shape, pressing the ends lightly to seal.
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, dip each twist into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden color.
- Transfer the boiled twists to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter, sprinkle more cheddar cheese, and press in additional jalapeño slices. Finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the twists for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Serve them warm with your favorite dips!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Shape the twists and refrigerate before the baking soda bath. When ready to bake, simply boil, top, and bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Warm pretzels in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their chewy texture. You can also freeze and reheat directly.
