Gourmet Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Zesty Ham & Swiss Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Warm, soft pretzels loaded with spicy jalapeño slices, savory ham, and melty swiss cheese create a mouth-watering snack that elevates any gathering.

These stuffed pretzels bring a delightful twist to traditional pretzel-making.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of heat, saltiness, and cheesy goodness.

The combination of ingredients ensures a surprising flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Handcrafted with care, these pretzels transform a simple dough into a crowd-pleasing treat.

The jalapeños add just the right kick to complement the rich ham and swiss.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and discover a new favorite snack that will impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything In Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels

For Dough Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture for the perfect pretzel base, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for consistent results.
  • Yeast: Magical rising agent that creates airy, soft texture, ensure it's fresh and active for best performance.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness, helps with browning and fermentation process.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps blend ingredients, temperature should be around 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
For Filling Components:
  • Ham: Adds savory protein punch, select high-quality deli ham for robust flavor.
  • Swiss Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty texture with nutty undertones, shred fresh for best melting quality.
  • Jalapenos: Provides spicy kick and exciting flavor contrast, remove seeds for milder heat if preferred.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: Creates golden, glossy exterior through precise egg wash technique, use whole egg for rich sheen.
  • Coarse Salt: Adds crispy texture and flavor enhancement, sprinkle generously for classic pretzel experience.
  • Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel crust and deep brown color during quick water bath, ensures authentic pretzel texture.

Tools You’ll Use For Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
  • Stand Mixer (optional): Helpful for kneading dough quickly and evenly.
  • Dough Hook: Attachable to stand mixer for efficient dough preparation.
  • Baking Sheet: Supports pretzels during baking and catching any filling spillage.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Large Pot: Used for boiling pretzels in baking soda water.
  • Slotted Spoon: Allows safe removal of pretzels from boiling water.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying egg wash to create golden-brown crust.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Helps divide dough into equal portions.

How To Make Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels

  • Yeast Activation

Warm water transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical rising agent. Sprinkle yeast into the liquid and watch it bubble with life, signaling the start of an incredible culinary adventure.

  • Dough Creation

Combine flour and salt into the yeast mixture, creating a soft, pliable canvas ready to be transformed. Knead the dough lovingly until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing a silky texture that promises deliciousness.

  • Flavor Fusion

Chop ham into tiny pieces and mix with sharp Swiss cheese and spicy jalapenos. This combination creates a bold, mouthwatering filling that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Pretzel Shaping

Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a rectangular canvas. Nestle the ham and cheese mixture into the center, then carefully fold and seal the edges, creating little pockets of flavor.

  • Water Bath Magic

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and gently introduce each pretzel. This quick bath gives the pretzels their signature glossy exterior and helps create that perfect golden-brown crust.

  • Final Transformation

Brush each pretzel with a golden egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Slide them into a hot oven where they’ll transform into crispy, cheesy, spicy masterpieces that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels

  • Spice Control: Adjust jalapeno heat by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick. Fresh or pickled jalapenos work great, giving different flavor profiles.
  • Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique flavor combinations that match your taste preferences.
  • Meat-Free Option: Replace ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pretzel dough and filling in advance, then refrigerate overnight. Let dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking for convenient meal preparation.

How To Serve Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these stuffed pretzels on a wooden board with small bowls of spicy mustard, ranch dressing, and pickled jalapenos for dipping.
  • Picnic Power Pack: Wrap these pretzels individually in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go snack during outdoor adventures or road trips.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve warm alongside cold beer or craft sodas during sports watching parties, cutting each pretzel in half for easier sharing.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these pretzels in kids' or adults' lunch boxes with a small container of complementary dipping sauce for a delicious midday treat.

Store Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Easily

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled stuffed pretzels in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each pretzel individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm pretzels in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unbaked stuffed pretzels after shaping by placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before boiling and baking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough and filling a day in advance. Store dough in a sealed container in the refrigerator and keep filling in a separate airtight container. This helps streamline the cooking process and saves time during meal preparation.
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Gourmet Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Gourmet Ham, Swiss, And Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Savory ham, swiss, and jalapeño stuffed pretzels elevate classic snack time with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Warm, spicy pretzels promise comfort and satisfaction for weekend gatherings or game day celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ¾ cups (470 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) diced ham
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded swiss cheese
  • 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsps salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • tbsps pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 8 cups (2 liters) water
  • ½ cup (120 g) baking soda
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive for 5 minutes.
  2. Dough Formation: Merge yeast mixture with flour and salt, kneading vigorously until the dough achieves a silky, smooth consistency. Let the dough rest and expand in a warm, draft-free zone until it doubles in volume.
  3. Flavor Preparation: Mince ham, grate Swiss cheese, and finely chop jalapenos, combining these zesty ingredients into a tantalizing filling mixture.
  4. Pretzel Shaping: Segment the risen dough into eight portions. Stretch each piece into a rectangular canvas, strategically positioning the ham, cheese, and jalapeno mixture in the center. Carefully fold and seal the edges, encapsulating the vibrant filling completely.
  5. Pretzel Configuration: Transform each filled dough segment into a slender rope, elegantly twisting into the traditional pretzel shape and securing the ends underneath.
  6. Boiling Preparation: Create a bubbling water bath with baking soda. Gently submerge each pretzel for 30 seconds, using a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid.
  7. Finishing Touches: Arrange pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lavish with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated 425F oven until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Notes

  • Control Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it, creating optimal rising conditions.
  • Manage Jalapeno Heat: Remove seeds for milder flavor or use more seeds for intense spiciness, adjusting to personal heat preference.
  • Prevent Filling Leakage: Seal pretzel edges tightly and pinch corners to stop cheese and ham from escaping during boiling and baking.
  • Balance Moisture Content: Pat ham and jalapenos dry before filling to prevent excess liquid from making dough soggy and compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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