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Candied Jalapeño-Cheddar-Stuffed Pretzels

Makes 12 pretzels

Ingredients
  

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • cups (170 grams) shredded white Cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
  • ½ cup (110 grams) Candied Jalapeños (recipe follows), finely chopped, plus more for topping
  • ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground black pepper
  • Pretzel Dough (recipe follows)
  • 8 cups (1,920 grams) water
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) baking soda
  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, Cheddar, Candied Jalapeños, and black pepper until well combined. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight. (If refrigerating overnight, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.)
  • Cut 12 (6x5¼-inch) rectangles of parchment paper. Place rectangles on rimmed baking sheets; dust with flour.
  • Spoon cheese mixture into a pastry bag, and cut a ½-inch opening in tip.
  • On a clean surface, divide Pretzel Dough into 12 portions (about 75 grams each). Gently deflate 1 portion of dough to release any large air bubbles; roll into a 14-inch-long rope. (Keep remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out.) Using a rolling pin, flatten rope into a strip, with one long side closest to you.
  • Pipe about 1½ tablespoons (27 grams) filling along center of strip, leaving a 2-inch gap at each end of strip. Fold top and bottom of dough over filling; pinch to seal. Gently roll and stretch rope to 18 inches long, tapering slightly at ends.
  • Shape rope into a “U.” Cross strands about 2 inches from ends. Twist ends around each other once, and fold down so loose ends touch rounded part of “U” shape just to sides of center; gently press to secure, and carefully stretch to open pretzel shape, if necessary. Place on a prepared parchment rectangle. Repeat with remaining dough and remaining filling. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 8 cups (1,920 grams) water and baking soda to a low boil over medium-low heat.
  • Using parchment to transfer, carefully lower pretzels, 1 or 2 at a time, top side down, into boiling water mixture; discard parchment. Cook for 30 seconds per side. Remove dough using a large slotted spatula or spoon, letting excess water drip off. Place 1 inch apart on nonstick baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt, Cheddar, and whole Candied Jalapeños.
  • Bake, one pan at a time, until golden brown, 12 to 16 minutes. Immediately and carefully remove from pans. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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