Introduction
Dive into the heart of comfort food with our Country Ham and Cheddar Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño Mustard. This delightful recipe combines traditional flavors in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for parties or just satisfying your cravings at home.
Tips for this Recipe
To achieve the best results with our Country Ham and Cheddar Pretzel Bites, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Also, precise measurements will contribute to a consistent texture in your pretzels.
Why you will love this recipe
These Country Ham and Cheddar Pretzel Bites with Jalapeño Mustard are not just a treat for the taste buds but also packaged with convenience. The pre-portioned bite size makes it easy to serve, while its unique blend of salty ham, tangy mustard, and spicy jalapeno offers an exciting flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup warm water (110-115°F)
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Pork or Beef Country Ham, sliced
- 1/3 cup finely chopped sharp Cheddar, divided
- 6 cups water for boiling pretzels
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded fresh jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon mild honey
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pretzel salt or coarse salt
Advised Equipment
- Prepackaged Baking Sheet
- Digital Food Scale
- High-Speed Mixer with Dough Attachment
- Pretzel Cutter Set
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Electric Kitchen Scissors
- Meat Thermometer
- Spice Grinder or Pre-ground Jalapeno Powder (optional)
- Pretzel Laminator Set (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Digital Kitchen Timer
- Food-Grade Plastic Bag (for storage of ingredients)
History of the Recipe
The art of pretzel making dates back to ancient times, with roots in Europe where they were initially a staple food. This Country Ham and Cheddar twist on traditional recipes pays homage to these origins while bringing an innovative spin by integrating savory ham and bold jalapeño mustard for that perfect bite of indulgence.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
Did you know? The pretzel, known as ‘Brezen’ in German, was originally made by monks around the 6th century. It wasn’t until centuries later that pretzels were transformed into today’s delicious snacks like our Country Ham and Cheddar version.