Cheesy Jalapeño Pretzel Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Cheesy Jalapeño Pretzel Bites are the perfect spicy, savory snack to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Soft pretzel bites are filled with a creamy cheese and jalapeño mixture, then baked until warm and melty. They’re quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 2 (4-ounce) packages pretzel bites (about 24 total; we used Pretzilla)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• Dash hot sauce
• 1 oz. extra-sharp orange Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 1/3 cup), plus more for sprinkling
• 1 scallion, finely chopped, plus more for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, chopped jalapeños, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until jalapeños are just tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Using a paring knife at an angle, remove the top of each pretzel bite, leaving about a 1-inch opening. Use your thumb to gently push down and widen the opening to create space for the filling.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and hot sauce until smooth. Fold in the cooked jalapeños, grated cheddar, and chopped scallion.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cheese mixture to a resealable plastic bag and snip off a corner. Pipe the filling into each pretzel bite evenly.
6. Step 6: Place filled pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with extra cheddar, and bake for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts and the pretzels are warm.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional scallions before serving if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or leave the seeds in to retain more heat if you prefer it spicier.
• Try substituting sharp white cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have pretzel bites, small soft pretzel rolls cut into pieces can work as well.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is soft again. Avoid microwaving to keep the pretzels from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pretzel bites in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the pretzel bites and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

Cheesy Jalapeño Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: About 24 stuffed pretzel bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Jalapeño Pretzel Bites are a perfect snack combining spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese, stuffed inside soft pretzel bites and baked to melty perfection. Easy to prepare and ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a flavorful, cheesy treat with a kick.

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Ingredients

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For the Jalapeño Mixture

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

For the Pretzel Bites

• 2 (4-ounce) packages pretzel bites (about 24 total; we used Pretzilla)

For the Cheese Filling

• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• Dash hot sauce
• 1 oz. extra-sharp orange Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 1/3 cup), plus more for sprinkling
• 1 scallion, finely chopped, plus more for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the stuffed pretzel bites.
2. Cook Jalapeños: Heat a medium skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil, the finely chopped jalapeños, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes until the jalapeños are just tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare Pretzel Bites: Using a paring knife, carefully cut off the top of each pretzel bite at an angle to create approximately a 1-inch opening. Use your thumb to press down inside the pretzel to widen the opening enough for stuffing.
4. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix together the room temperature cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Fold in the cooked jalapeños, coarsely grated cheddar cheese, and finely chopped scallion until well combined.
5. Stuff Pretzels: Transfer the cheese mixture into a resealable plastic bag, snip off a small corner, and pipe the filling into each pretzel bite opening, filling them generously.
6. Bake: Arrange the stuffed pretzels on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with extra chopped scallions if desired, and serve warm for a delicious cheesy and slightly spicy snack.

Notes

• Seed the jalapeños carefully to reduce heat if you prefer milder bites.
• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
• If you don’t have pretzel bites, small soft pretzel rolls can be used as a substitute.
• Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for melted and bubbly cheese as a sign of readiness.
• For an extra spicy version, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy pretzel bites, jalapeño snacks, stuffed pretzels, party appetizers, spicy cheese bites, easy snack recipe