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Easy Bacon Ranch Pinwheel Pretzel Bites for Game Day

bacon ranch pinwheel pretzel bites - featured image
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Soft, chewy pretzel bites wrapped around a creamy bacon ranch filling, perfect for game day snacking. These handheld treats are quick to make and disappear fast at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 strips)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 4 cups water (for the bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Cook the bacon: While dough rises, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Cool on paper towels, then crumble.
  4. Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add ranch seasoning, milk, and shredded cheddar; beat until combined. Fold in crumbled bacon and green onions (if using). Set aside.
  5. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil, then carefully add baking soda. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Roll and fill: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge. Roll tightly into a log from the long edge with filling; pinch seam to seal.
  7. Slice pinwheels: Slice log into 1-inch rounds (about 16-18). Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  8. Pretzel bath: Working in batches of 4-5, gently lower pinwheels into simmering baking soda water using a slotted spoon. Bathe for 30 seconds per side. Return to baking sheet.
  9. Egg wash and salt: Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
  10. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then brush with melted butter.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their signature flavor and chewy texture. Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. For best results, use thick-cut bacon and coarse sea salt like Maldon. If dough sticks, lightly flour your surface but avoid over-flouring.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon ranch, pinwheel pretzel bites, game day snack, appetizer, pretzel bites, bacon, ranch, cream cheese

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-bacon-ranch-pinwheel-pretzel-bites-for-game-day/