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When making Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzel Bites, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference) - 1/4 cup baking soda - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Coarse sea salt (for topping) These ingredients create a balance of flavors. The warm water helps activate the yeast, giving a nice rise. The sugar feeds the yeast, ensuring a fluffy texture. Flour adds structure, while salt enhances flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese and jalapeños bring richness and heat. Feel free to adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference. If you like it hot, use two. For a milder version, stick with one. Enjoy collecting these ingredients, as they set the stage for a delicious snack! 1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. It should get frothy. 2. Add flour and kosher salt to the yeast mix. Stir until a rough dough forms. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. 4. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños. Make sure they are well spread throughout the dough. 1. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour. It should double in size. 2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. In a large pot, boil about 10 cups of water. Add the baking soda. 4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into small pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Roll each piece into a ball. 5. Carefully add the pretzel balls to the boiling water in batches, about 5 at a time. Boil for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon. Place them on the baking sheet. 6. Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be golden brown. 8. Let them cool slightly before you serve. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip! To make the best Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzel Bites, start with the right water temperature. Use warm water at about 110°F (45°C). This temperature helps activate the yeast. Make sure it’s not too hot; otherwise, it can kill the yeast. Knead the dough well for 5-7 minutes. This step builds a strong texture. A smooth dough will help your bites rise and become fluffy. Want to mix it up? You can try different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a nice kick. Monterey Jack gives a milder taste. Adjust the jalapeño amount based on your spice level. If you love heat, add more jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, use just one. These simple tweaks can make a big difference in taste. {{image_2}} If you want to mix things up, try using different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick. Monterey Jack offers a milder flavor and a creamy texture. Both cheeses melt well. You can even blend them for a unique taste. The cheese you choose can change the whole vibe of your snack. Experiment and find your favorite combo! You can also take these pretzel bites in a new direction. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh twist. Spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika can enhance the flavor. For a sweet version, try adding cinnamon and sugar. Shape the dough into small bites and roll them in the sweet mix before baking. This will give you a fun, sweet snack! Keep your leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and soft. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to a week. The best way to reheat pretzel bites is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep them soft. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. You want them warm but not dry. Another option is to use the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the bites. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft but may not give them the same crunch as the oven. Enjoy your pretzel bites warm! Yes, but it may alter consistency. Whole wheat flour can make the dough denser and chewier. For a lighter bite, you may want to mix it with all-purpose flour. Substitute cheese and egg wash with plant-based options. Use vegan cheese that melts well. Instead of an egg wash, use a mixture of plant milk and a bit of oil. Check local grocery stores and online retailers. Many stores have frozen or fresh options. Look in the snack aisle or the deli section. Suggestions for sauces that complement the flavor include cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or ranch dressing. You can also try a creamy avocado dip for a fresh twist. In this post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make delicious cheddar jalapeño pretzel bites. You learned how to prepare the dough, boil, and bake for that perfect texture. Remember to adjust spices for your taste and try out different cheeses. With a few simple twists, these bites can be a fun treat for any occasion. Enjoy making them with your own unique flavors, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Happy baking!

Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzel Bites

Indulge in the ultimate snack with these Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzel Bites! Perfectly soft, bursting with cheesy goodness, and a kick of spice, they're easy to make and incredibly delicious. Discover how to create this mouthwatering treat from scratch with simple ingredients you probably have at home. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your friends at your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)

1/4 cup baking soda

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

    Add the flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture, and mix until a rough dough forms.

      Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

        Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

          Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

            Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

              In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil, and add the baking soda.

                Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about 1-2 inches in size). Roll each piece into a bite-sized ball.

                  Carefully add the pretzel balls to the boiling water in batches (about 5 at a time) and boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.

                    Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt on top.

                      Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

                        Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 pretzel bites