Mac and Cheese Jalapeño Pretzel (Printer View)

Baked pretzel bites with a creamy mac and cheese and jalapeño filling. Crunchy, spicy, perfect for gatherings.

# What you'll need:

→ Mac and Cheese Filling

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 2 jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed

→ Pretzel Dough

10 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
11 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - 3/4 cup warm water

→ Baking Soda Bath

15 - 4 cups water
16 - 1/4 cup baking soda

→ Topping

17 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
18 - Coarse salt, for sprinkling

# Method:

01 - Cook macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, approximately 6 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a bowl.
02 - In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly incorporate the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
03 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Mix in the drained macaroni and diced jalapeños. Cool fully, then refrigerate filling for at least 20 minutes until firm.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, and warm water. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 5 minutes until a supple, smooth dough forms. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment for 30 minutes.
05 - Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
06 - Bring 4 cups water and 1/4 cup baking soda to a brisk boil in a large saucepan.
07 - Divide the risen dough into 24 equal portions. Flatten each piece gently, add a heaping teaspoon of chilled mac and cheese filling to the center, pinch edges to seal completely, and roll into a uniform ball.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each filled dough ball into the boiling baking soda bath for 20 seconds. Transfer immediately to the prepared baking sheet.
09 - Brush each bite generously with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients from your pantry and fridge
  • Perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties
  • The combo of creamy cheesy filling and crunchy salty pretzel shell is irresistible
  • Simple dough that rises quickly and bakes up golden
02 -
  • High protein and calcium thanks to all that cheese
  • These bites freeze beautifully so you can always have snacks ready
  • A hit with kids and grownups alike especially at parties
03 -
  • Let the mac and cheese chill until fully firm before filling which makes shaping so much easier
  • Pinch the dough tightly around the filling to prevent leaks in the baking soda bath
  • Go heavy on the melted butter before and after baking for real pretzel flavor

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