Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Balls (Print Version)

Soft, cheesy muffin balls rolled in pretzel crumbs with chili and garlic for irresistible savory snacking.

# Components:

→ Biscuit Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 3/4 cup buttermilk

→ Cheesy Filling

07 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

→ Flavorings

10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Pretzel Coating

13 - 1/2 cup hot water
14 - 1 tablespoon baking soda
15 - 1/2 cup crushed pretzels

→ Topping

16 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
17 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add cubed cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture and cut in until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
05 - Gently fold in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chives, minced garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika.
06 - Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
07 - Mix hot water and baking soda in a small bowl until baking soda dissolves.
08 - Dip each dough ball briefly in the baking soda solution, then roll in crushed pretzels to coat evenly.
09 - Arrange the coated balls in the greased muffin tin, one ball per cup.
10 - Bake on the center rack for 16 to 18 minutes, until muffin balls are golden brown and puffed.
11 - Brush the tops of the hot muffin balls with melted butter and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Mouthwatering combination of cheese, chili, and garlic in every bite
  • Easy to prepare and ideal for parties or snacks
02 -
  • Contains wheat and dairy, check ingredients if allergies are a concern
  • Add jalapeno or swap cheeses for more flavor options
03 -
  • Use chilled butter for the fluffiest biscuit texture
  • Dip balls quickly in the baking soda solution for the perfect pretzel taste

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