Quick & Spicy Ham, Swiss, and Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
Soft, pillowy pretzels with a zesty ham, swiss, and jalapeño stuffed center will make you crave comfort food like never before.
These twisted delights pack a punch of flavor that surprises with every bite.
Warm, golden-brown dough wraps around melty cheese and spicy peppers, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Crispy edges give way to a gooey, savory interior that promises pure satisfaction.
Simple ingredients come together in a magical dance of textures and tastes.
Home cooks can easily master this irresistible snack that feels like a gourmet treat.
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Why Ham, Swiss, and Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels Work
What You Need to Make Stuffed Pretzels
Pretzel Dough Base:Filling Ingredients:Finishing Ingredients:Baking Instructions for Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels
Step 1: Awaken the Yeast
Pour warm water into a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle sugar and yeast into the water. Gently stir the mixture and allow it to rest for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
Step 2: Create the Dough Base
Gradually add flour and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a rough, shaggy dough begins to form. The texture should be slightly sticky and uneven.
Step 3: Develop Dough Consistency
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough using the heel of your hand, pushing and folding repeatedly. Continue kneading for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and mix for 4-5 minutes on medium speed.
Step 4: Allow Dough to Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl with cooking spray or oil. Place the kneaded dough inside and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Position the bowl in a warm, draft-free area of your kitchen. Let the dough rise for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare Filling Ingredients
Gather your filling components:Step 6: Shape and Stuff Pretzels
Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangular shape. Sprinkle ham, Swiss cheese, and jalapeños down the center of each rectangle.
Step 7: Fold and Seal Pretzels
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely. Twist the stuffed dough into classic pretzel shapes.
Step 8: Boil and Bake
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add baking soda to the water. Briefly dip each pretzel into the boiling water, then place on a baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake pretzels for 12-15 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Key Tips for Stuffing Pretzels Perfectly
How to Store and Heat Up Stuffed Pretzels
Dips and Sides for Stuffed Pretzels
Custom Stuffed Pretzel Variations to Explore
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Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Savory ham, swiss, and jalapeño stuffed pretzels bring spicy comfort to classic snack time. Crispy golden exteriors give way to melted cheese and zesty heat, promising a delicious twist you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ¾ cups (470 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 g) diced ham
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 23 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
Dough Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110F/45C)
Preparation and Topping Ingredients:
- 8 cups (2 liters) water
- ½ cup (120 g) baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate flour and salt into the activated yeast mixture, stirring until a rough, uneven dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, then knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing a smooth and springy texture. Alternatively, utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, kneading for 4-5 minutes until the dough becomes cohesive.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl and gently place the kneaded dough inside, covering with a soft cloth or plastic wrap to create a warm, draft-free environment.
- Allow the dough to rest and expand in a temperate location for approximately 60 minutes, or until its volume doubles and becomes noticeably puffy.
- Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air, preparing it for the next stage of preparation.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, creating a foundation for stuffing with diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños.
- Roll each portion into a rectangular shape, carefully distributing the savory filling along the center of the dough.
- Carefully roll and seal the edges, forming a compact pretzel-like shape that encapsulates the flavorful ingredients.
- Prepare a baking soda bath to enhance the pretzel’s signature golden-brown exterior and distinctive flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is exactly 110-115°F for perfect yeast activation, preventing killed or inactive yeast.
- Use freshly grated Swiss cheese for maximum melting and flavor intensity compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Dice jalapeños finely and remove seeds to control spice level while maintaining pepper’s vibrant flavor profile.
- Brush pretzels with egg wash before baking to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown, glossy exterior that looks professionally made.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.