Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Balls

Featured in: Flavor Bomb Snacks

Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls blend sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and aromatic garlic in soft dough, coated with a crunchy pretzel crust for irresistible texture. Infused with chili flakes and paprika, each ball bakes up golden inside a muffin tin, brushed with butter and flaky sea salt for added richness. Perfectly portioned for snacking or entertaining, they offer a savory balance of creamy cheese, gentle heat, and a satisfying crunch. Easily adaptable for extra heat or different cheeses, these warm bites suit a variety of dips and occasions.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:46:00 GMT
Savory Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls topped with flaky sea salt.  Save
Savory Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls topped with flaky sea salt. | whambite.com

Savory, cheesy biscuit balls with a golden pretzel crust, infused with chili and garlic, perfect as a snack or appetizer.

The first time I shared these cheesy pretzel chili garlic biscuit muffin balls at a game night, they disappeared within minutes. Their crunchy pretzel coating and gooey cheese center make them hard to resist.

Ingredients

  • Biscuit Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • Cheesy Filling: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
  • Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pretzel Coating: 1/2 cup hot water, 1 tbsp baking soda, 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
  • Topping: 2 tbsp melted butter, flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prep:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Incorporate Butter:
Cut cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Make Dough:
Stir in buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms.
Add Flavor & Cheese:
Gently fold in cheddar, mozzarella, chives (if using), garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika until evenly distributed.
Shape Balls:
Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
Pretzel Dip:
Mix hot water and baking soda in a small bowl. Dip each dough ball briefly in the solution, then roll in crushed pretzels to coat.
Bake:
Place each ball in the prepared muffin tin. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Finish & Serve:
Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
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My family loves to dunk these warm biscuit balls in honey mustard or ranch while watching movies together. They always ask for extra cheese and spice!

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, muffin tin, pastry brush, small bowls

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 6 g

Serving Ideas

Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or spicy ranch for extra flavor.

Golden brown Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, perfect for snack time.  Save
Golden brown Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, perfect for snack time. | whambite.com

Enjoy these cheesy biscuit balls fresh from the oven for the best flavor. Leftovers can be reheated for a tasty snack anytime!

Kitchen Guide

Can I use a different cheese in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor profile and extra spice.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. All ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for meat-free diets.

How do I achieve a crisp pretzel coating?

Dipping dough balls in baking soda solution before rolling in crushed pretzels helps create that signature pretzel crust.

What's the best dip to pair with these balls?

Honey mustard or ranch dips complement the savory, cheesy notes and add a tangy touch to each bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough, refrigerate for up to a day, then shape and bake fresh for best results.

Are there any spice level adjustments?

Increase chili flakes or add jalapeño to intensify heat, or reduce for a milder flavor.

Cheesy Pretzel Chili Garlic Balls

Golden, cheesy balls with chili garlic punch, crisp pretzel crust. Warm, flavorful snack for gatherings.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
18 min
Complete Duration
38 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American Fusion

Output 12 Portions

Diet Requirements Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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

01 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Flavorings

01 2 garlic cloves, minced
02 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes, to taste
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pretzel Coating

01 1/2 cup hot water
02 1 tablespoon baking soda
03 1/2 cup crushed pretzels

Topping

01 2 tablespoons melted butter
02 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Muffin Tin and Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Phase 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Phase 03

Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Phase 04

Form Biscuit Dough: Stir in the buttermilk until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Phase 05

Add Cheeses and Flavorings: Gently fold in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chives (if using), garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika until thoroughly combined.

Phase 06

Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.

Phase 07

Prepare Pretzel Coating: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in hot water.

Phase 08

Coat Dough Balls: Dip each dough ball briefly in the baking soda solution, then roll in crushed pretzels to coat.

Phase 09

Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place each coated ball in the prepared muffin tin.

Phase 10

Bake Muffin Balls: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until muffin balls are golden brown and puffed.

Phase 11

Finish and Serve: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowls

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese, butter, buttermilk).
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy if using store-bought pretzels.
  • Review all labels for allergens before serving.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 6 g