Gather your friends and family for the ultimate game day snack — Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites! These bite-sized wonders are a fusion of savory, spicy, and oh-so-cheesy goodness. Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pretzels, the melty-gooey texture of oozing cheddar, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the zesty kick of jalapeños. It’s a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a touchdown dance.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites
These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the ultimate game day snack that will have your guests raving. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for sharing. Imagine sinking your teeth into a piping-hot pretzel bite, only to be greeted with a burst of molten cheddar cheese and a kick of spicy jalapeño. The addition of crispy, savory bacon takes these bites to the next level, adding a delightful smoky note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a watch party, tailgating, or simply craving a delicious snack, these pretzel bites will be the star of the show.
Ingredients
To make these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, milk, cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavor-packed, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any game day celebration.
- 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) – warm milk
- 1 cup (112g) – shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 – jalapeños, seeded and diced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: You can use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Jalapeños: If you’re not a fan of jalapeños, you can swap them out for other spicy peppers, such as serrano or habanero. Alternatively, you can omit the jalapeños altogether for a milder flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Making these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites is surprisingly easy, and the end result is worth every minute. Let’s walk through the simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and warm milk, and knead the dough until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your fingers to create a well in the center. Fill the well with a small amount of cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced jalapeños. Pinch the dough around the filling to seal it in, forming a tight ball.
Step 3: Boil and Bake
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them cook for 30 seconds on each side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the parboiled bites to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites are baked to perfection, brush them with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of coarse sea salt. Serve them hot and enjoy the ooey-gooey, flavor-packed goodness!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Filling Variations: Try adding different fillings, such as spicy Italian sausage or caramelized onions, for a unique twist on the classic Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites.
- Shape Variations: Experiment with different shapes, such as twists or knots, to keep your game day spread interesting.
- Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, brush the pretzel bites with a beaten egg before baking.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less jalapeño.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven, either on their own or alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or ranch.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the pretzel bites in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pretzel dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to assemble and bake, simply follow the remaining steps.
Nutrition Information
Each Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bite is a delightful balance of carbs, protein, and indulgent flavor. With a serving size of 2 bites, you can expect to enjoy approximately 240 calories, 12 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein. While these bites are certainly a treat, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 2 pretzel bites
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pretzel bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pretzel dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the remaining steps to assemble and bake the pretzel bites.
How can I make the pretzel bites extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, brush the pretzel bites with a beaten egg before baking. The egg wash will help create a shiny, golden-brown finish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can absolutely use different types of cheese in these pretzel bites. Try using pepper jack or mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses, to suit your personal preferences.
How spicy are the jalapeños?
The level of spiciness can vary depending on the jalapeños you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or swap them out for a less spicy pepper, such as bell peppers.
Can I freeze the leftover pretzel bites?
While you can freeze the unbaked pretzel bites, we recommend enjoying any leftovers within 2 days for the best texture and flavor. The melted cheese and bacon won’t hold up as well in the freezer.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins For Holiday Parties
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Bites
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites for Game Day
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the perfect game day appetizer! Soft pretzel bites stuffed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños make for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
• 1 lb fresh pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup jalapeños, diced
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and cream cheese.
3. 3. Divide the pizza dough into small pieces and flatten each piece.
4. 4. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each piece of dough and fold it over to seal.
5. 5. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda.
6. 6. Boil each stuffed dough ball for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet.
7. 7. Brush each ball with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
8. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. 9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
These bites are best served fresh out of the oven. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add more spices for extra heat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pretzel bites, game day, appetizers, cheese, bacon, jalapeño