Save Savory, spicy muffin bites featuring soft pretzel dough, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch flavor — perfect for snacking, parties, or game day.
I experimented with these pretzel muffin balls before a family movie night, and they disappeared in minutes. The mix of buffalo and ranch was an instant hit with everyone expecting classic snacks.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, ¾ cup warm water
- Buffalo-Ranch Filling: ½ cup cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp ranch dressing, 2 tbsp buffalo hot sauce, 2 green onions (finely sliced), ½ tsp garlic powder
- For Boiling: 6 cups water, ¼ cup baking soda
- Topping: 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Pretzel Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, green onions, and garlic powder in a bowl until well combined.
- Prep Bold Balls:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling in the center. Pinch edges to seal and roll into a ball.
- Boil Pretzel Balls:
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda (it will foam). Working in batches, boil each ball for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake and Finish:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Save Last holiday, we made a batch to share with cousins and everyone raced to grab seconds. Crunchy outside, soft inside — nothing draws people in like that combo!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, measuring cups (and spoons), baking sheet, parchment paper, slotted spoon, and a sturdy saucepan are all you need.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin ball has about 115 calories, 4.5 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Serving and Variations
Serve these up with ranch or blue cheese dip for even bolder flavor. Swap cheddar for mozzarella or add extra buffalo sauce for more heat.
Save Buffalo Ranch Pretzel Muffin Balls are always a comeback request at our house. Their blend of crunch and creamy spice offers irresistible, easy bites every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get a classic pretzel texture?
Simmer each dough ball briefly in boiling water mixed with baking soda before baking. This creates a chewy, golden crust.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Add more buffalo hot sauce to the filling for extra heat, or use less for a milder taste. Customize to your spice preference.
- → What dips pair well with these muffin balls?
Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even additional buffalo sauce for a flavorful complement.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake in advance and reheat in the oven before serving. They're perfect for meal prepping or parties.
- → Is there a substitute for cheddar cheese?
Shredded mozzarella works well as a replacement, offering a mild flavor and gooey texture in the filling.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these muffin balls are vegetarian. Just check ranch dressing ingredients to avoid added animal-based items.