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
- ⅔ 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
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive for 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Flavor Preparation: Mince ham, grate Swiss cheese, and finely chop jalapenos, combining these zesty ingredients into a tantalizing filling mixture.
- 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.
- Pretzel Configuration: Transform each filled dough segment into a slender rope, elegantly twisting into the traditional pretzel shape and securing the ends underneath.
- 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.
- 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