Pin Crispy, golden pretzel balls stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, perfect for game day or party snacks.
The first time I made these pretzel balls, my friends couldn’t believe how addictive they were. The aroma of homemade pretzel dough with spicy filling made them disappear before halftime.
Ingredients
- Buffalo Chicken Filling: 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded, ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (for example, Frank's RedHot), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, 2 green onions (finely sliced), ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pretzel Dough: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet), 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Pretzel Bath & Topping: ½ cup baking soda, 8 cups water, 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash), coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, mozzarella, blue cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Make Pretzel Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough Balls:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 3-inch circle.
- Fill & Seal:
- Place about 1 tablespoon buffalo chicken filling in the center of each circle. Pinch edges to seal well, forming a ball.
- Pretzel Bath:
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Gently drop pretzel balls (4 to 6 at a time) into the bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top & Bake:
- Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing if desired.
Pin These have become a favorite for my family during game days and backyard gatherings. Kids love helping pinch the dough shut—and eating the cheesy results!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, wooden spoon or stand mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper, large pot, slotted spoon, pastry brush, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, cheese, butter. May contain traces of soy (check cheese and hot sauce labels). Verify all ingredients before serving to anyone with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 160 calories, 6 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein.
Pin Make a double batch—these spicy cheesy bites go fast! Enjoy right from the oven for the crispiest pretzel exterior and melty center.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the pretzel balls before baking. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
- → Is there a blue cheese substitute?
Swap blue cheese for more mozzarella or use your favorite cheese blend for a milder flavor.
- → How do I prevent dough from sticking?
Knead on a floured surface and use parchment paper on your baking sheet to keep the dough from sticking.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch, extra buffalo sauce, or blue cheese dip are classic accompaniments for added flavor.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time during prep.
- → Are these gluten-free?
These are not gluten-free, as they contain wheat flour in the pretzel dough.