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To make Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites, gather these key ingredients: - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F) - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon melted butter - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat) - ½ cup baking soda - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You can modify some ingredients for your taste. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier bite. - Swap sharp cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice. - If you dislike jalapeños, try green bell peppers for a milder flavor. - You can replace the egg wash with a milk wash for a vegan option. Each pretzel bite contains about: - Calories: 120 - Protein: 4g - Total Fat: 4g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 150mg These bites are great for sharing but keep an eye on portions! Enjoy them with friends and family. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it frothy. This step wakes up the yeast. Next, add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mix. Stir this with a spoon or use a stand mixer. Keep mixing until a dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth. Now, it's time to add flavor. Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños. Knead until the cheese and jalapeños are mixed well into the dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Once your dough has risen, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully whisk in the baking soda until it dissolves. This step gives pretzels their unique taste and color. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball. Drop each dough ball into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Place them on the baking sheet. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg. Finally, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. For a great look, serve them warm with a side of spicy mustard or cheese dip. Use a cute bowl for the dip to make your appetizer platter pop! To make the best dough, start with warm water. It should be around 110°F to 115°F. This warmth helps the yeast grow. Mix your yeast with sugar and water. Let it sit for five minutes until it gets frothy. This step is key for good rise. When adding flour, mix until it forms a smooth dough. Knead it for about five minutes. This develops gluten, which gives the pretzels their chewy texture. Jalapeños add a nice kick, but balance is key. Use 2-3 jalapeños, and remove the seeds for less heat. If you want it spicier, leave a few seeds in. Chop them finely so they mix well into the dough. This way, each bite will have a hint of spice without overwhelming it. Pairing the jalapeños with sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor blend. One common mistake is not letting the dough rise enough. Make sure it doubles in size. This can take about an hour. Another mistake is skipping the boiling step. Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives pretzels their distinct crust. Lastly, don’t rush the baking time. Bake until they are golden brown for the best texture and taste. Pro Tips Perfect Dough Temperature: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110°F to 115°F) to activate the yeast effectively for a fluffy texture. Cheese Choice: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance flavor; it melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the jalapeños. Boiling Soda Solution: Adding baking soda to boiling water gives the pretzel bites their characteristic crust and flavor—don’t skip this step! Serving Suggestions: Serve your pretzel bites warm with a side of spicy mustard or a creamy cheese dip to elevate the snacking experience. {{image_2}} You can make gluten-free jalapeño cheddar pretzel bites easily. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that works well for bread. You might need to tweak the water amount slightly. Gluten-free dough can be stickier, so keep flour nearby for dusting. To create a vegan version, replace the butter with plant-based butter. Use a vegan cheese that melts well for that cheesy taste. Instead of the egg wash, brush a mixture of almond milk and a bit of maple syrup on top. This will give a nice golden color without using any eggs. Feel free to play with different cheeses and add-ins. Pepper jack cheese adds extra spice if you like heat. For a milder taste, try mozzarella or gouda. You can also mix in ingredients like cooked bacon bits or herbs for added flavor. Just remember to keep the overall balance of flavors in mind. To store leftover pretzel bites, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Keep the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soft. To freeze pretzel bites, first cool them completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make these pretzel bites ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. Then, shape the bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before boiling and baking. These pretzel bites taste great with many dips. Here are some tasty options: - Spicy mustard - Cheese dip - Ranch dressing - Salsa - Guacamole These sauces enhance the jalapeño and cheese flavors. Your pretzel bites are done when they are golden brown. Check the color after 12-15 minutes in the oven. The texture should be firm to the touch. If they look too pale, give them another minute or two. Enjoy! You learned how to make Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites with easy steps. We covered key ingredients, smart substitutions, and nutrition. I shared tips for perfect dough and balanced flavor. Different variations, like gluten-free and vegan options, let you explore. Storing leftovers and reheating keep your bites fresh. Remember, choosing the right dip enhances your snack. Enjoy making these delicious pretzel bites at home!

Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzel Bites

Delicious bite-sized pretzels filled with sharp cheddar cheese and jalapeños, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2-3 jalapeños finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 0.5 cup baking soda
  • to taste coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
  • Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  • Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños into the dough, kneading until evenly distributed.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully whisk in the baking soda until dissolved.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
  • Using a slotted spoon, drop each dough ball into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds, then remove and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of spicy mustard or cheese dip in a cute bowl for an attractive appetizer platter!
Keyword cheddar, jalapeño, pretzel, snack