Savory pops blend cheese, spice, and crispy pretzels, ideal for parties or quick vegetarian snacks.
# Components:
→ Pancake Batter
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 3/4 cup buttermilk
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Spicy Cheese Filling
09 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
10 - 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
11 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Pretzel Coating
13 - 1 cup mini pretzels, crushed
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
→ For Cooking & Assembly
15 - Vegetable oil spray or more melted butter, for greasing
16 - 16 lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 200°F to keep items warm after assembly.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
04 - Combine shredded cheddar, pepper jack, diced jalapeño, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
05 - Stir crushed mini pretzels with melted butter in a bowl and set aside.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with vegetable oil spray or additional melted butter.
07 - Drop 1 tablespoon of pancake batter onto the skillet, then top with 1 heaping teaspoon spicy cheese filling. Cover with another tablespoon of batter.
08 - Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form and edges set.
09 - Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
10 - While warm, insert one lollipop stick or skewer into each pancake pop.
11 - Brush tops with melted butter and roll or press pops into pretzel coating to evenly cover.
12 - Place finished pops in oven to keep warm while remaining pops are prepared. Serve immediately.
