Golden, cheesy balls with chili garlic punch, crisp pretzel crust. Warm, flavorful snack for gatherings.
# 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
07 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
→ Flavorings
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 to 2 teaspoons chili flakes, to taste
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
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in the buttermilk until a shaggy dough begins to form.
05 - Gently fold in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chives (if using), garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika until thoroughly combined.
06 - Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
07 - In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in hot water.
08 - Dip each dough ball briefly in the baking soda solution, then roll in crushed pretzels to coat.
09 - Place each coated ball in the prepared muffin tin.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until muffin balls are golden brown and puffed.
11 - Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
