Soft, chewy homemade pretzels stuffed with spicy, melty cheese, these Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels are the ultimate savory snack. With a golden, salty crust and gooey center, they bring the magic of Disneyland-style stuffed pretzels straight to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture – Just like classic soft pretzels but with a cheesy surprise inside!
- Spicy & savory – The jalapeño cheese filling adds a delicious kick.
- Perfect snack or appetizer – Great for game nights, parties, or movie nights.
- Easier than you think! – Uses simple pantry ingredients and a quick baking soda bath for that iconic pretzel taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Filling:
- 1 lb jalapeño cheese (or pepper jack cheese), cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese or coarse sea salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in vegetable oil.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Cut jalapeño cheese into 1-inch pieces. Keep covered to prevent drying out.
3. Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12 inches), then flatten slightly.
- Place cheese pieces down the center, then pinch the dough around the cheese to seal.
- Reshape into a rope, twist into a pretzel shape, and place on a baking sheet.
4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Dip each pretzel in the baking soda solution for 30 seconds, then return to the baking sheet.
5. Bake the Pretzels:
- Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving—the cheese will be molten hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 pretzels
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy lovers – Add chopped jalapeños inside for an extra kick.
- Cheese swap – Try cheddar, smoked gouda, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Sweet version – Skip the cheese, and after baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Vegan option – Use vegan cheese and non-dairy milk for the egg wash.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the pretzels and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.
Do I have to use a baking soda bath?
Yes! The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep brown color.
Can I freeze these pretzels?
Yes! Freeze unbaked pretzels after shaping. When ready to bake, dip in the baking soda bath, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Why is my pretzel dough too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour (1 tbsp at a time) until smooth.
What can I serve these with?
Enjoy with warm cheese dip, honey mustard, ranch, or marinara sauce!
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels are the perfect combination of soft, chewy dough and spicy, gooey cheese. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just a fun snack, these pretzels will be a crowd favorite. Try them today and bring a little Disneyland magic into your kitchen! ️
Print
Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels
These Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed Pretzels are soft, chewy, and filled with spicy, melty cheese. With a golden, salty crust and gooey center, they’re perfect for game nights, parties, or a delicious homemade snack. Bring the magic of Disneyland-style pretzels to your kitchen with this easy recipe!
- Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Filling:
- 1 lb jalapeño cheese (or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 4 cups water
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese or coarse sea salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in vegetable oil.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Cut jalapeño cheese into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
-
Shape the Pretzels:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, flatten slightly, and place cheese down the center.
- Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal, reshape into a rope, twist into a pretzel shape, and place on a lined baking sheet.
-
Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
- Bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Dip each pretzel in the solution for 30 seconds, then return to the baking sheet.
-
Bake the Pretzels:
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with Parmesan or sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving—the cheese will be hot!
Notes
- Spicy Lovers: Add chopped jalapeños inside for an extra kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, smoked gouda, or mozzarella.
- Sweet Version: Skip cheese, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and plant-based egg wash.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
