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Flavorful Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Pretzel Bites

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These spicy, creamy, and salty pretzel bites are stuffed with a classic jalapeño popper filling, making for a quick and crowd-pleasing homemade snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 440g)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 300 ml)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 110g)
  • 2–3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅓ cup baking soda (about 80g)
  • 10 cups water (about 2.4 liters)
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and about 3 cups (375g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add remaining flour, about ½ cup (65g) at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer dough hook on low for about 5 minutes.
  3. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. Shape the bites: Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 24 equal pieces (about 1.5 ounces / 43g each). Flatten each piece into a circle, spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center, pinch edges tightly to seal, and roll gently into a ball.
  6. Prepare boiling solution: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) water and baking soda to a boil. Working in batches, drop 6-8 pretzel bites into boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly.
  7. Bake: Arrange boiled pretzel bites on parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown with a firm crust.
  8. Cool and serve: Let the bites cool for 5 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda boil step to achieve the classic pretzel crust and color. Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent filling leakage. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives. For gluten-free, use a suitable gluten-free baking mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper, pretzel bites, stuffed pretzels, snack recipe, cheesy snack, spicy snack, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/flavorful-jalape-n-o-popper-stuffed-pretzel-bites-easy-homemade-snack-recipe/