Save 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 making these cheesy spicy pretzel pancake pops was for a weekend brunch with friends. Everyone loved how they combined the classic pancake flavor with a surprising crunchy coating, and the hint of jalapeño added just enough kick to impress even the spice fans in the group.
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), 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
- Prepare 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.
- Combine 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 1 tbsp melted butter; set aside.
- Heat Skillet:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil spray or melted butter.
- Form 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:
- 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 My kids get excited whenever I make these for Sunday breakfast, and they love helping to crush the pretzels and press the pops into the coating. It has become a fun family ritual that adds a special twist to our mornings.
Variations
Swap out pepper jack for mozzarella or gouda for a milder flavor. Try using different cheeses or adding chopped green onions for a new dimension of taste.
Serving Ideas
Serve with spicy ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dip for extra zing. These make excellent snacks for game day or party appetizers.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, lollipop sticks or skewers, oven (optional for warming)
Save Try this recipe for your next gathering—the combo of gooey cheese, zesty heat, and crunchy pretzel is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Snack happily!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pops up to the pretzel coating step and reheat in the oven before coating and serving.
- → Which cheese alternatives work best?
Try mozzarella or gouda for milder flavor, or experiment with other melty cheeses that suit your taste.
- → How spicy are these pancake pops?
The spice level is adjustable; remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or add cayenne for extra kick.
- → What dips pair well with these pops?
Serve with spicy ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these pops are vegetarian provided all cheeses and ingredients are veggie-friendly.
- → Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
Absolutely, gluten-free pretzels work well to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.