Soft, chewy, and packed with melty cheddar and spicy jalapeños, these twisted pretzels are a fun twist on a classic. The dough is simple to make, and the flavors are bold enough to stand out while still being totally snackable. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or just treating yourself, these homemade pretzels bring a little heat and a lot of cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The perfect balance of soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside
A delicious blend of spicy jalapeños and melty cheddar in every bite
Easier to make than you think—no fancy equipment required
Great for snacking, dipping, or pairing with your favorite beer

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Instant yeast
Warm water
Brown sugar
Baking soda
Sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh jalapeños
Butter
Salt
Egg wash for that golden finish

Full list of ingredients and measurements below.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for an hour, or until doubled in size.

Add the Cheese and Jalapeños

Once the dough has risen, gently knead in the shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños. The more evenly you distribute them, the better each bite will be.

Shape and Twist

Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll each into a rope. Twist them into pretzel shapes or keep it simple with twisted sticks.

Baking Soda Bath

Boil water with baking soda and dip each pretzel for about 30 seconds. This step is what gives pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden color when baked.

Bake to Perfection

Brush each pretzel with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. The cheese will bubble, the jalapeños will get slightly roasted, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra cheesy pretzels, stuff small cubes of cheddar inside the dough before twisting.
If you like more spice, keep the jalapeño seeds in. For milder heat, remove them.
A sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder on top adds another layer of flavor.
Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s what gives pretzels their signature texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different cheesy kick.
Use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh for a tangy twist.
Add crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Brush with garlic butter after baking for a more indulgent flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These pretzels go perfectly with a creamy cheese dip, spicy mustard, or even a side of ranch. If you’re pairing with drinks, a cold beer or a citrusy cocktail complements the cheesy, spicy flavors. They also make a great side for soups, especially a classic beer cheese soup or tomato bisque.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, or give them a quick toast in an air fryer.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let the dough rise, then store it in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I have to use fresh jalapeños?
No, pickled jalapeños work too. They add a bit of tang, which balances well with the cheese.

Why do I need the baking soda bath?
It helps the pretzels develop their chewy texture and deep golden crust. Skipping this step will make them more like regular bread.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to shred your own cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Conclusion

Twisted Jalapeño Cheddar Pretzels are the kind of snack that disappears fast. They’re cheesy, slightly spicy, and have that perfect chewy texture. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because you’re craving something homemade, they’re worth every bite.

Spicy Cheddar Swirl Pretzels with a Jalapeño Kick

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 10–14 pretzels (normal servings: 8) 1x
Category: Snacks, Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These soft, homemade pretzels are packed with gooey cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfectly twisted and baked to golden perfection, they make a delicious snack or appetizer with a crispy crust and chewy interior

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, yeast and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until mixture is frothy. Stir in the salt.
Add 3 cups of the flour to the mixer and stir to combine. Mix in the jalapenos and cheese. Add the remaining flour, as needed, a little bit at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball and is slightly tacky, but not sticky. You may not use all the flour.
Fill a large bowl with the hot water. Stir in the baking soda until dissolved. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash; set aside.
On a lightly floured countertop, divide the dough into four equal sections. Roll each section into a log and cut the log into three pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough. You should have 12 equal pieces of dough.
Roll each segment of dough into a rope 18-24 inches long. Fold the rope in half, then twists the two segments of rope together. Pinch the ends together and tuck underneath. Place pretzel twist on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
Transfer each pretzel twist into the hot water mixture for about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pretzels back to the baking sheet. Re-twist pretzels as needed. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until pretzels are golden brown. Let cool slightly, then brush with melted butter.

Notes

For extra spice, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add red pepper flakes.
Serve with cheese dip, mustard, or ranch dressing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1g
Calories: 110kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1544mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 39mg