Name: Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet); 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (lukewarm around 100°F / 38°C); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 3 and 3/4–4 cups (469–500g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface; 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda; 9 cups (2.13L) water; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted; 4–5 fresh jalapeños, sliced; Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling; 1.5–2 cups (188-250g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a soft pretzel with a spicy, cheesy twist, you have just found the perfect match. This Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe combines the classic warm, chewy texture of homemade soft pretzels with the bold zing of fresh jalapeños and the rich, melty goodness of sharp cheddar cheese. Within an hour, you’ll have a batch of golden-brown treats that are perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. It’s an unbeatable combination that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A soft, round ball of dough sits in the center on a white marbled surface dusted lightly with flour. The dough has a pale cream color with small uneven bumps and a slightly rough texture, showing it is ready to be worked or rested. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with flour, adding an extra layer of baking atmosphere. The natural light gently highlights the dough’s surface, making it look fresh and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. Using simple pantry staples and fresh additions, you’ll see how easy it is to create a snack that looks and tastes incredible.

Platinum yeast: The instant yeast ensures the dough rises quickly and gives a light, airy texture perfect for soft pretzels.
Warm water: Activates the yeast without killing it; lukewarm temperature is key.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the heat from the jalapeños.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory warmth that complements cheddar beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a golden crust.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough and brushed on top for richness and soft crumb.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to your pretzel dough; measured carefully for best results.
Baking soda: Used in the bath to develop the iconic pretzel crust and deep color.
Jalapeños: Fresh slices provide just the right spicy kick and a pop of green color.
Coarse sea salt: For sprinkling, adding crunch and classic pretzel flavor.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Generous shredded cheddar melts beautifully on top, giving rich taste and gooey texture.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by whisking the platinum instant yeast into warm water, letting it sit just a minute to wake up those hardworking yeast cells. Then stir in salt, garlic powder, sugar, and melted butter — these simple additions bring flavor and keep the dough tender. Add your flour gradually to form a slightly sticky dough that’s perfect for kneading into soft pretzels.

Step 2: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Whether you use a mixer or your hands, kneading is where the magic happens. This step develops the gluten, making your pretzels chewy but soft. Don’t worry if the dough feels a little tacky — that’s how it should be. Use the windowpane test for a fun way to check if you’ve kneaded enough: stretch a small dough piece thin enough to nearly see through without tearing.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

Once your dough is silky and elastic, shape it into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes covered with a towel. This brief pause makes it easier to handle, and you can even refrigerate it at this point if your schedule needs flexibility.

Step 4: Shape Your Pretzels

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a long rope around 20 inches long. Fold into that classic pretzel shape by crossing and twisting the ends—this part is surprisingly satisfying and adds a bit of personal flair to your baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

Simmer a bath of water and baking soda on the stove. Boiling the pretzels in this bath for 20 to 30 seconds each creates that authentic pretzel crust and gives them their signature chew and deep golden color once baked.

Step 6: Assemble with Jalapeños and Butter

After draining from the bath, place each pretzel on your baking sheet and brush generously with melted butter. Press thinly sliced jalapeños on top so each bite gets a spicy surprise. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for that crunch and classic pretzel finish.

Step 7: Bake and Add Cheese

Bake the pretzels at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Then pull them out to sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese on top before returning to the oven. Bake until cheese melts and pretzels turn a gorgeous golden brown—this step transforms them into a melty, spicy delight.

Step 8: Serve While Warm

Fresh out of the oven, these jalapeño cheddar soft pretzels are best enjoyed warm. Their golden crust, spicy jalapeño slices, and velvety melted cheddar make every bite an irresistible treat.

How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe

A round soft pretzel base with a shiny golden-brown crust topped with a thick layer of melted sharp cheddar cheese, covering the pretzel almost fully. Three slices of green jalapeño are placed on top of the cheese, slightly cooked with a darker green edge. The pretzel surface has coarse salt sprinkled around the edges. Some broken pieces of the pretzel with melted cheese bits are scattered near it, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a little smoked paprika on top to add a hint of color and an extra dash of flavor that compliments the jalapeños and cheddar.

Side Dishes

Serving your soft pretzels alongside creamy ranch dip or tangy mustard makes for a fantastic pairing. If you want to keep things fresh, a crisp side salad balances the rich, spicy pretzels wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, place your pretzels on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of dips and additional jalapeño slices. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine can turn them into charming, handheld snacks perfect for gifts or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pretzels keep well at room temperature for up to a day if wrapped lightly in foil or a clean kitchen towel. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week, though the texture softens slightly with time.

Freezing

You can freeze boiled, unbaked pretzels up to 24 hours ahead before baking. After baking, wrap cooled pretzels tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you’re always ready with a spicy cheesy snack whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated pretzels by microwaving briefly or baking in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back softness and melty cheese goodness. Frozen pretzels can be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating the same way.

FAQs

Can I adjust the heat level of the jalapeños?

Absolutely! You can reduce the number of jalapeño slices or remove the seeds for milder heat. Alternatively, try swapping jalapeños for milder peppers if you want just a subtle kick.

Is instant yeast required or can I use active dry yeast?

Instant yeast is recommended because it works quickly without needing proofing, but you can use active dry yeast. Just proof it first in warm water until foamy before mixing into your dough.

Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese for the topping?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar tends to melt more smoothly and tastes fresher. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltiness.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath helps develop the classic pretzel crust by altering the dough’s pH on the surface. This creates a shiny exterior and deep brown color when baked.

Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?

Traditional pretzels depend on gluten for their chewy texture, so gluten-free versions require specialized flours and adjustments. This recipe is designed for all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeño Cheddar Soft Pretzels Recipe is a unbeatable way to elevate a classic snack with spicy, cheesy goodness that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these homemade pretzels bring warmth and excitement to your table. Dive in and enjoy every buttered, cheesy, spicy bite—you’ll be so glad you did!