Cheesy Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs are the ultimate snack—soft and chewy pretzel bites stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, all drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you’re craving a bold, savory snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly cheesy, spicy, and savory
- Soft, homemade pretzel dough with a golden, chewy crust
- Perfect for game days, parties, or snack time
- Easy to make ahead and bake when needed
- Delicious when dipped in extra ranch or buffalo sauce
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pretzel Dough:
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking soda (for boiling)
For the Filling:
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon (crumbled)
For Topping & Drizzle:
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- Melted butter
- Ranch dressing (for drizzling)
Directions
- Make the Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit until foamy, then mix in flour and salt to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon until well combined.
- Shape the Pretzel Bombs: Roll the dough into small circles, add a spoonful of filling, then pinch the edges to seal.
- Boil in Baking Soda Water: Briefly boil each pretzel bomb in water with baking soda for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish & Serve: Brush with melted butter, drizzle with ranch dressing, and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 pretzel bombs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- BBQ Twist: Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Edition: Use mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra cheesy bite.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pretzel bombs and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade pretzel dough?
Yes! It won’t have the exact same chewy texture, but it will still be delicious.
Do I have to boil the pretzel bombs?
Yes! This gives them their classic chewy texture and deep brown crust.
Can I use ranch inside the filling?
You can, but it may make the filling too runny. It’s best as a drizzle.
What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all melt beautifully inside.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate unbaked pretzel bombs, then bake when ready.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely! Just use smaller dough pieces and adjust baking time accordingly.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce are all great options.
Can I make these without bacon?
Yes! They’re still flavorful without it, or you can add crispy onions for crunch.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs with Ranch Drizzle are the ultimate combination of spicy, cheesy, and buttery goodness! Whether for game day, a party, or just a snack craving, these bite-sized treats will have everyone coming back for more. Try them today and enjoy every gooey, flavor-packed bite!
PrintCheesy Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs with Ranch Drizzle
These Cheesy Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs are soft, golden-brown pretzel bites stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Finished with a drizzle of cool ranch dressing, they’re the ultimate snack for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 pretzel bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- â…“ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Boiling & Topping:
- 8 cups water
- â…“ cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ tsp coarse salt
For the Ranch Drizzle:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Stir in bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pretzel Bombs:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, add a spoonful of the filling, and pinch the edges to seal into a ball.
- Boil the Pretzel Bombs:
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda.
- Drop each dough ball into the boiling water for 15–20 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Brush each pretzel bomb with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drizzle with Ranch & Serve:
- Mix ranch dressing with a little milk to thin if needed. Drizzle over warm pretzel bombs. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping.
- Use store-bought pizza dough for a shortcut.
- Add blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor!