Save to Pinterest A fun and savory twist on classic pancake pops featuring gooey cheese a hint of spice and a crunchy pretzel coating—perfect for parties or brunch.
The first time I tried these cheesy spicy pretzel pancake pops it was during a weekend brunch with friends. They quickly disappeared from the platter and everyone asked for the recipe the playful combination of cheese spice and crunch was a big hit.
Ingredients
- Pancake Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 large egg 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- Spicy Cheese Filling: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese 1 small jalapeño finely diced (seeds removed for less heat) 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Pretzel Coating: 1 cup mini pretzels crushed 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- For Cooking & Assembly: Vegetable oil spray or additional melted butter (for pan) 16 lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C) if serving warm.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk buttermilk egg and melted butter. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined do not overmix.
- Make Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl combine cheddar pepper jack jalapeño and smoked paprika for the filling.
- Prepare Pretzel Coating:
- In another bowl mix crushed pretzels with melted butter set aside.
- Heat Skillet:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil spray or melted butter.
- Assemble Pops:
- Drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto the skillet quickly top with 1 heaping teaspoon of spicy cheese filling then cover with 1 more tablespoon of batter.
- Cook Pancake Pops:
- Cook for 2 3 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set then flip and cook another 1 2 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Insert Sticks:
- While still warm insert a lollipop stick into each pancake pop.
- Coat with Pretzels:
- Brush the tops lightly with melted butter then roll or press each pop into the crushed pretzel mixture to coat.
- Serve:
- Keep finished pops warm in the oven while you finish the batch. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My little cousin loves helping insert the sticks and rolling the pancake pops in pretzels it became a favorite family activity for our Sunday brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pops with spicy ketchup honey mustard or ranch dip for extra flavor. They make a great snack for game day parties or festive brunches.
Ingredient Swaps
Mozzarella and gouda work well for a milder filling or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat. Use gluten-free pretzels for a wheat-free option.
Nutritional Information
Each pancake pop provides about 120 calories 7 g total fat 12 g carbohydrates and 4 g protein making them guilt-free and satisfying.
Save to Pinterest Try these cheesy spicy pretzel pancake pops for your next party and watch them vanish in minutes everyone loves their crunchy fun twist.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make sure my pancake pops are fluffy?
Stir the batter until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Use fresh baking powder and gentle handling for best texture.
- → How spicy are these pops?
The jalapeño and pepper jack provide mild heat, adjustable by including seeds or adding cayenne to the filling.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, use mozzarella or gouda for a milder flavor or blend in your favorite melting cheeses for variety.
- → What dip pairs well with these pops?
Spicy ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dip complement the cheesy and crunchy flavors excellently.
- → How do I achieve a crispy pretzel coating?
Brush each pop with melted butter and press into crushed pretzels while warm for even, crisp coverage.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the cheeses and pretzels are vegetarian-friendly; always review ingredient labels to confirm.