Pin it A warm, pull-apart bread loaf loaded with gooey cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a golden pretzel crust is perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a savory snack.
I first made this Cheesy Jalapeño Pretzel Cracked Loaf for a game night, and everyone devoured it within minutes. The blend of melty cheese and spicy jalapeños with the pretzel crust makes it truly addictive.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 large sourdough boule (about 500 g), unsliced
- Filling: 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese, 100 g shredded cheddar cheese, 2 fresh jalapeños (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp chopped chives, 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Pretzel Wash: 1 liter water, 2 tbsp baking soda, 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash), Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Tray:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice Bread:
- Place the sourdough boule on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf crosswise and then lengthwise, creating a grid, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic. Carefully drizzle and brush this mixture into cracks of the bread.
- Fill Loaf:
- Stuff shredded mozzarella, cheddar, sliced jalapeños, and chives evenly into cracks of the bread.
- Pretzel Dip:
- In a large saucepan, bring 1 liter water to a boil. Add baking soda carefully as it will bubble up. Using tongs, quickly dip the stuffed loaf into boiling water for about 20 seconds for pretzel-like crust. Remove and place on prepared tray.
- Finish & Bake:
- Brush loaf top with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted, top is golden brown, and loaf is heated through.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy.
Pin it My kids love pulling apart this cheesy loaf on weekends. It turns snack time into a fun and interactive family experience.
Required Tools
Serrated bread knife, baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowls, pastry brush, saucepan, tongs
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, milk, and egg. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 11 g
Pin it Serve this pretzel cracked loaf warm with your favorite dip for a truly crowd-pleasing snack. It is sure to disappear quickly at any party.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread type works best?
A large, unsliced sourdough boule offers great structure and texture for this pull-apart style.
- → Can the level of spiciness be adjusted?
Absolutely. Use green chilies for a milder flavor or add extra jalapeños for more heat.
- → How does the pretzel crust form?
Dipping the bread in boiling water with baking soda before baking creates a characteristic pretzel-like finish.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian. If needed, you can also add plant-based cheese alternatives.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Sour cream and ranch dips complement the savory, spicy loaf beautifully.
- → How can leftovers be stored?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven to restore texture and meltiness.