Description
Ultimate Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs
Ingredients:
1 can of pizza dough
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
12 small pretzel bites or dough balls
¼ cup baking soda
1 egg wash
Salt and ranch dressing
Instructions:
Heat oven to 400°F. Roll dough, cut into 12 squares.
Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar, and bacon.
Place filling in dough, seal into balls, and boil in baking soda water.
Brush with egg, sprinkle salt, and bake 12 minutes.
Drizzle ranch dressing for the ultimate flavor!
#PretzelLoversUnite
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal squares.
2. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and crumbled bacon. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble Bombs: Place a small pretzel bite in the center of each dough square. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling. Carefully gather the dough corners and pinch them together tightly to seal, forming a smooth ball. Ensure no filling is leaking.
4. Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully add the baking soda. Working in batches, boil each dough ball for 30 seconds. This step is crucial for the authentic pretzel crust.
5. Bake: Place boiled bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each generously with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with ranch dressing. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bombs warm for the best experience with melted, gooey centers. They are perfect as a game-day appetizer or a fun party snack. For dipping, offer extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side. Pair with crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrot to balance the richness. For a full spread, serve alongside other finger foods like chicken wings or a fresh salad.
How-to Summary
Cut pizza dough into squares. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, buffalo sauce, and bacon for the filling. Place a pretzel bite and filling in each dough square, seal into a ball, and boil briefly in baking soda water. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. Finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the uncooked bombs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Boil and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What can I use instead of canned pizza dough? Homemade pizza dough, thawed frozen bread dough, or even biscuit dough pressed thin are excellent substitutes.
Why do I boil them in baking soda water? This is the traditional pretzel-making step that gives the crust its distinctive chewy texture, deep brown color, and classic pretzel flavor.
Can I use a different sauce? Absolutely. For a milder version, use barbecue sauce or honey mustard. For more heat, try a ghost pepper sauce.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness; microwaving will make them soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the dough, as it will leak during baking. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling mix. Do not skip the boiling step—it’s essential for texture. Seal the dough balls tightly to prevent bursting. Finally, do not overbake; remove them from the oven as soon as they are a rich golden brown to keep the centers creamy.
Conclusion
These Ultimate Buffalo Bacon Pretzel Bombs are the perfect fusion of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy pretzel crust. They are surprisingly simple to make and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a memorable snack that perfectly balances heat, salt, and creamy indulgence. #PretzelLoversUnite