Zesty Swiss Ham Stuffed Pretzels Recipe: A Fiery Twist

Warm, golden pretzels bursting with spicy swiss ham filling offer a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

These savory snacks blend soft, chewy dough with rich, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade pretzels stuffed with swiss ham deliver a punch of deliciousness that elevates any gathering or meal.

Each bite combines hearty ham with melted cheese and a hint of spice, creating an irresistible treat.

The dough comes together easily, making these pretzels a perfect weekend cooking project.

Bold seasonings and carefully selected ingredients transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Satisfy your hunger and impress your guests with these delectable spicy swiss ham stuffed pretzels that promise pure culinary delight.

Serve Stuffed Pretzels with a Zing

• Party Platter Presentation: Slice the stuffed pretzels into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like spicy mustard, ranch, or cheese sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these pretzels alongside cold beer or soft drinks during sports events, creating a perfect shareable snack that brings everyone together with their zesty flavor and cheesy filling.
• Picnic Perfect Companions: Pack these portable pretzels in a cooler for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or park gatherings – they're easy to transport and stay delicious at room temperature.
• Breakfast Twist Delight: Pair these savory pretzels with a fresh green salad or scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal that adds excitement to your breakfast routine.

Storage Tips for Pretzels That Stay Fresh

• Keep these stuffed pretzels fresh and delicious with these tips.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain texture and prevent drying. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Seal pretzels in airtight freezer bags or containers. They'll stay tasty for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Bring refrigerated or frozen pretzels back to life by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Brush with melted butter for extra crispness and flavor renewal.
• Prepare a batch and divide into individual servings. This makes grab-and-go snacking super convenient for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this stuffed pretzel recipe?

The key ingredients are ham, Swiss cheese, and jalapenos, combined with a classic pretzel dough made from flour, water, yeast, and salt.

• Is this recipe good for people who like spicy food?

Yes, the jalapenos add a nice kick of heat that spice lovers will enjoy, but the Swiss cheese and ham help balance the spiciness.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these pretzels?

You’ll need a basic mixing bowl, a surface for kneading, and an oven. A stand mixer is helpful but not required – you can knead the dough by hand.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe is moderate difficulty, suitable for intermediate home bakers with some experience in working with yeast dough and basic baking techniques.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 12

Stuffed Pretzel Ingredients You’ll Want

• Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients together, use lukewarm temperature to ensure proper yeast activation.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with dough fermentation, choose granulated white sugar for consistent results.
• Active Dry Yeast: Provides rising power and develops bread's texture, select fresh yeast with recent expiration date.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates pretzel's structure and provides foundational texture, opt for unbleached flour for better taste.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Ham: Adds savory protein element, choose high-quality deli ham or smoked ham for robust flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Provides creamy, melting characteristic, select aged Swiss for deeper taste profile.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Introduces spicy kick and vibrant heat, remove seeds for milder sensation or keep for extra zest.

• Baking Soda: Creates classic pretzel brown crust and distinctive flavor, use fresh baking soda for best results.
• Egg: Provides golden sheen and helps toppings stick, select large eggs at room temperature.
• Coarse Salt: Adds crispy exterior and enhances overall seasoning, kosher or pretzel salt works best.

Tools for Ham & Cheese Pretzel Perfection

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining yeast, water, and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional): Speeds up kneading process if available.
• Flour-dusted surface: Needed for hand-kneading the dough.
• Clean kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising period.
• Baking sheet: Used for baking the stuffed pretzels.
• Parchment paper: Prevents pretzels from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Helps in cutting and shaping pretzel dough.

How to Stuff and Shape Homemade Pretzels

• Brew Yeast Mixture

Grab a big bowl and pour in warm water with a sprinkle of sugar. Shake in the yeast and watch it come alive, bubbling and growing for about 5 minutes.

• Create Dough Base

Dump flour and a pinch of salt into the foamy yeast mixture. Stir until everything looks like a messy, rough blob of potential deliciousness.

• Massage Dough

Toss the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead it like you’re giving a serious massage. Push, fold, and turn for 5-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and bouncy.

• Let Dough Expand

Slide the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a soft cloth, and park it in a cozy spot. Let it relax and grow for about an hour until it’s doubled in size.

• Prepare Filling

Chop up ham, slice swiss cheese, and dice jalapenos into tiny pieces. Set aside while getting ready to stuff those pretzels.

• Shape Pretzels

Roll out the puffy dough and cut into sections. Sprinkle ham, cheese, and jalapenos inside, then roll and twist into classic pretzel shapes.

• Boil and Bake

Quickly dunk pretzels in boiling water with baking soda, then transfer to a baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt before baking until golden brown.

Flavor Upgrades for Savory Pretzel Filling

• Brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, shiny exterior that looks professionally made and adds a rich, glossy finish.
• Adjust the jalapeno quantity to suit your heat tolerance. Remove seeds for a milder flavor or add extra slices for more intense spiciness.
• Swap traditional wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the pretzel's classic chewy texture and structure.
• Prepare the stuffed pretzels up to the point of final rising, then refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature.
• Experiment with different deli meats like turkey, roast beef, or bacon instead of ham to create unique flavor combinations and keep the recipe interesting.

Spicy Swiss Ham Stuffed Pretzels

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent ham, Swiss, and jalapeño stuffed pretzels blend savory and spicy flavors in a classic German-inspired snack. Crisp exterior and melty cheese create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3.75 cups (470 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 g) diced ham
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss cheese
• 23 tbsps pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2.25 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1.25 cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 8 cups (2 liters) water
• 0.5 cup (120 g) baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten
• Coarse salt

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5 minutes.
2. Dough Formation: Mix flour and salt into the activated yeast mixture, kneading either by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic, developing a cohesive consistency.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm location for 60 minutes until volume doubles, creating a puffy, aerated texture.
4. Filling Preparation: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions, then roll each piece into a rectangular shape, strategically positioning diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños along the center.
5. Shaping and Sealing: Carefully roll the dough, meticulously sealing the edges to create a compact pretzel-like shape that completely envelops the savory filling.
6. Baking Preparation: Prepare a baking soda bath to enhance the pretzel’s signature golden-brown exterior and develop its characteristic flavor profile, ensuring a crisp and appetizing finish.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rising environment.
• Knead for Texture: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a smooth, elastic dough with excellent stretching capabilities for stuffing.
• Control Filling Distribution: Spread ham, cheese, and jalapeños evenly to prevent uneven cooking and ensure consistent flavor in each bite.
• Manage Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg