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
Scale
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