Gather your party guests around the table with these cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites – a flavor-packed, indulgent appetizer that’s sure to impress. These bite-sized wonders combine the classic pairing of salty, savory bacon with the kick of fresh jalapeno, all wrapped in a warm, soft pretzel and smothered in melty cheese. They’re the perfect combination of comfort, crunch and craveable flavor. Let’s dive in and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites party pleasers
These cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and utterly irresistible. The combination of a soft, pillowy pretzel, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeno and gooey cheese is nothing short of epic. Plus, they’re the perfect handheld party food – no plates or utensils required! Serve them up at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time.
Ingredients
To make these cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, milk, jalapenos, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and an egg wash. The dough comes together quickly, and the toppings are easy to assemble.
- 3 cups (375g) – all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) – active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25g) – granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) – unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240ml) – whole milk
- 2 jalapenos, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (226g) – shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapenos: Use a milder pepper like bell peppers or banana peppers instead (for a less spicy version)
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap in pepper jack, monterey jack or a spicy Mexican cheese blend (for a bolder flavor)
How to Make cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites party pleasers
These cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites come together in just a few simple steps. First, we’ll make the soft pretzel dough, then shape and top the bites before baking them to perfection.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by making the pretzel dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Melt the butter in the milk and add it to the dry ingredients, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Let it rise for an hour.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then use your fingers to poke a hole in the center and stretch it out into a pretzel shape. Arrange the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top each pretzel bite with diced jalapeno, crumbled bacon and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash, then brush it over the tops of the pretzels.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until the pretzels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve them warm, garnished with extra bacon and jalapeno if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle the bites with everything bagel seasoning before baking for an extra pop of flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Try using a mixture of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses for a spicier twist.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and assemble the bites in advance, then bake them right before your guests arrive. Just be sure to let the dough rise properly for best texture.
- Reheat: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Honey mustard, ranch, or spicy queso dip.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and assemble the bites in advance, then bake them right before your guests arrive.
Nutrition Information
These cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites are a rich and indulgent appetizer, but they also provide a satisfying balance of savory flavors with a touch of heat.
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pretzel bites in advance?
Yes, you can prep the dough and assemble the bites ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate the shaped, topped pretzels until ready to bake. This makes them a breeze to serve fresh and hot at your event.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic, you can swap in other melty cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack or even a spicy Mexican blend.
How spicy are the jalapenos?
The level of heat in the jalapenos can vary quite a bit. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. If you want more of a kick, leave them in. You can also substitute a milder pepper like bell or banana peppers.
Can I freeze these pretzel bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled pretzel bites for up to 2 months. Just reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is melty.
What should I serve with these pretzel bites?
These cheesy, bacon-y bites are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. But they also pair wonderfully with dips like honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy queso.
Try These Next
- cheesy bacon jalapeno stuffed pretzel bites for game day
- cheesy bacon jalapeno poppers for your next party
- cheesy bacon jalapeno popper bites
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Pretzel Bites: Party Pleasers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These cheesy bacon jalapeno pretzel bites are the ultimate party pleasers! Soft pretzel dough filled with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapenos, served with a tangy cheese dip. Perfect for game day or any gathering!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
½ cup diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt to the mixture and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda.
6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.
7. Flatten each piece and add a small amount of cheese, bacon, and jalapenos in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and shape into balls.
8. Boil each pretzel bite in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove and place on the baking sheet.
9. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with cheese dip or your favorite dipping sauce.
Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapenos to your preferred spice level.
These pretzel bites can also be frozen after baking; just reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, cheesy, bacon, jalapeno, appetizers