Welcome to my blog, Foodies! I’m Samir Fahmy, a food enthusiast from Egypt living in Canada. Growing up in the Middle East, my taste buds were exposed to bold and spicy flavors from an early age. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my latest culinary adventure: Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels! This recipe is so special to me because it combines my love for classic American snacks with my Middle Eastern roots, creating a unique and delicious flavor that will take your taste buds on a journey.
Samir is a world traveler with a passion for exploring new cultures through food. He loves to experiment with unique ingredients and flavors in the kitchen, and is always on the lookout for the next culinary adventure. When he’s not cooking or traveling, Samir can be found hiking or playing the oud, a traditional Arabic instrument.
Samir Fahmy currently resides in Canada and grew up in Egypt.
The history of pretzels dates back to the 6th century, when an Italian monk created them as a treat to reward children who learned their prayers. The pretzel’s unique shape, resembling crossed arms, was meant to symbolize the act of praying, and it became a popular snack in Europe in the Middle Ages. Eventually, pretzels made their way to America, where they became a staple snack at sporting events and movie theaters. Today, pretzels come in many different flavors and shapes, but my Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels take this classic snack to a whole new level. By adding a creamy and spicy avocado filling, these pretzels become the ultimate combination of savory and spicy.
In today’s world, more and more people are looking for delicious and healthy snack options that are easy to prepare at home. That’s why my Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, movie night, or just looking for a hearty snack, these pretzels will be your new go-to! The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients, so you can whip up a batch in no time. And the best part? The combination of avocado and cheese is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. So say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to my Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels!
What you need
Get ready to spice up your pretzel game with these delicious Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels! These tasty bites are perfect for any game day or movie night, and you won’t believe how easy they are to make! The secret to their amazing taste is the baking soda solution that gives the pretzels their signature crust, combined with the gooey, melted cheddar cheese and the spicy avocado and jalapeno filling that packs a real punch. The dough is made by mixing flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, then stuffed with the creamy and spicy avocado mixture. After being dipped in the baking soda solution, they are sprinkled with coarse salt and baked until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm and watch them disappear in no time! Perfect for sharing, these Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are the ultimate snack when you want something hearty and full of flavor, and sure to steal the show at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- active dry yeast – This is used as the leavening agent in the dough. It can be swapped with instant yeast, but the rising time may vary.
- warm water – This is the liquid component for the dough. It should be warm (around 110°F) to help activate the yeast.
- all-purpose flour – This is the base flour for the dough. It can be swapped with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- granulated sugar – This is added to the dough to balance the flavor and promote browning during baking. It can be swapped with honey or maple syrup.
- salt – This is added to the dough for flavor and to regulate the yeast’s activity. It can be adjusted to taste.
- avocado – This is mashed and mixed with jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to make the spicy avocado filling for the pretzels.
- jalapeño – This is seeded, diced, and mixed with mashed avocado, lime juice, and salt to add some heat and freshness to the filling. It can be swapped with serrano pepper or green bell pepper for a milder flavor.
- lime juice – This is added to the avocado filling to enhance the flavor and prevent browning. It can be swapped with lemon juice or vinegar.
- cheddar cheese – This is mixed with the spicy avocado filling and stuffed inside the pretzel dough. Other cheese varieties such as pepper jack or monterey jack can be used to vary the flavor.
- baking soda – This is used to create the alkaline dipping solution for the pretzels, which helps to achieve the classic brown and chewy crust. It can be replaced with food-grade lye for an even more authentic taste.
- water – This is used to dilute the baking soda and create the dipping solution. The quantity may vary depending on the size of your pot and pretzels.
- coarse salt – This is sprinkled on top of the pretzels before baking to add flavor and texture. Other toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning can be used to vary the flavor.
Utensils:
- large mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- stand mixer or hand mixer with dough hook attachment – Hand kneading is also an option.
- clean kitchen towel
- parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- large pot
- slotted spoon
- pastry brush
Avocado, the superstar fruit
I love using avocado in my recipes because it’s versatile, healthy, and adds a creamy texture to any dish. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals. They are also low in carbs and can help stabilize blood sugar levels. In this recipe, the mashed avocado is combined with jalapeño, lime juice, and cheddar cheese to create a spicy and flavorful filling for the pretzels. The avocado not only adds richness and creaminess to the filling but also balances the heat and acidity of the jalapeño and lime. I also appreciate that avocados are sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they require less water to grow compared to other fruits and vegetables.
Baking soda, the magic behind pretzels
Baking soda is the secret ingredient that gives pretzels their signature taste and texture. When dissolved in water, baking soda creates an alkaline solution that reacts with the proteins in the dough, causing it to brown and develop a chewy crust. This process is called the Maillard reaction and is responsible for the distinctive flavor and aroma of pretzels. Baking soda is also a great natural cleaning agent and can be used to scrub off stains and odors in the kitchen. However, it should be used in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances. In this recipe, the pretzels are dipped in a bath of baking soda and water before baking, which gives them their characteristic brown color and unique flavor.
What to serve it with?
Whenever I make these Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels, I like to serve them with a side of my homemade pomegranate salsa. The salsa is a perfect complement to the pretzels because it adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the avocado and cheese filling. Not to mention, the bright red color of the salsa looks beautiful next to the golden brown pretzels on a platter. And, as an Egyptian, pomegranates hold a special place in my heart – they’re a symbol of fertility and prosperity in my culture, and are featured in many Middle Eastern dishes. The combination of the sweet and tangy pomegranate seeds, spicy jalapenos, and fresh cilantro in the salsa make it a perfect accompaniment to my Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels.
Summary
Well, there you have it, my friends! My Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels are the ultimate snack that will keep you coming back for more. I hope you enjoyed learning about the history of pretzels and the importance of avocados in Middle Eastern cuisine. Now, it’s your turn! Are you going to make these pretzels for your next game day gathering or movie night? Or, are you going to switch up the recipe by adding some of your favorite spices or ingredients? Let me know in the comments below! As always, I love hearing from fellow foodies and sharing culinary adventures together. So, until next time, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Spicy Avocado and Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- stand mixer or hand mixer with dough hook attachment
- clean kitchen towel
- parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- large pot
- slotted spoon
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 avocado
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 9 cups water
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
Instructions
- Make the dough - In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, sugar, and salt, and mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it's elastic and no longer sticky. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. - Make sure to use warm, but not hot water to activate the yeast. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to save some arm workout.
- Prepare the filling - In a small bowl, mash the avocado flesh with a fork. Stir in the diced jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. - Use ripe and soft avocados for the best texture and flavor. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño and lime juice to your desired level of spiciness and tanginess. Be careful not to overmix the filling, as the cheese might become too soft and hard to handle.
- Shape the pretzels - Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 2 feet). Flatten the rope with a rolling pin, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center. Fold the dough edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a log. Twist the log into a pretzel shape and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. - Make sure to flatten the dough evenly across the length and width to prevent it from rising unevenly in the oven. Don't overstuff the filling, or it might leak during baking. If you're having trouble shaping the pretzels, you can watch a tutorial video online or ask a friend for help.
- Dip the pretzels in the baking soda solution - In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each pretzel into the solution for 10-15 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove the pretzels from the solution and place them back on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with water and sprinkle with coarse salt. - Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, or the pretzels might stick to each other. Don't dip the pretzels for too long, or they might taste too bitter. If you're concerned about the high sodium content of baking soda, you can reduce the amount or use food-grade lye instead. Remember to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling lye, as it can be caustic.
- Bake the pretzels - Bake the pretzels for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm and enjoy! - Don't open the oven door too often while baking, or you might release the heat and affect the browning. Letting the pretzels cool for a few minutes will help to prevent the cheese filling from oozing out. You can serve the pretzels with some additional spicy avocado dip or your favorite sauce.
