I am not sure when the combination of bacon, cheese and ranch became known as “crack” in the foodie world, so know I didn’t invent this title. I also know many people take offense to this turn of phrase. Please note that no offense is mean here…we’re just hyperbolizing. Mmkay? ANYWAY…if you are still reading, I am going to assume you are a crack-y food person. I know I am. Bacon, cheese and ranch is a solid combo. And my guess was that if you took said “Crack” and stuffed it inside a homemade pretzel…well the heavens would open and I would be given a special place inside the Holy Gates. Before we go any further, let me just preface this recipe with yes, there are a few steps, and yes, yeast is involved, but it’s all easy. And the beauty of this recipe (which is perfect for Game Day) is that you can make these WAY in advance, freeze them and then pop them in the oven completely frozen for a few minutes and boom! Warm, cheesy pretzels whenever you want them. It’s a pretty epic idea. The deal with the process I am going to walk you through today is a not traditional. Generally with pretzels you will dip them into a baking soda and boiling water bath. I get that is the classic method, but today my goal was to get through the process faster. Less time making, means faster eating. I made the dough with Quick Rise Yeast, which is the best. It only rests for 10 minutes. During this time I made the filling…because that’s why we’re all here, yes? The filling is simple…it’s cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon and ranch seasoning. I specifically used Challenge Dairy Cream Cheese in this recipe, as it’s especially creamy and delicious. It’s farm to fridge in 24 hours (seriously), with zero growth hormones. So let’s just say it’s pretty fresh! Challenge is the only dairy company that controls the entire process, beginning with the milk. I have been devoted to their products for years. After 10 minutes of rest time, divide the dough into 8 equal part and roll them into long ropes. Flatten the dough ropes and using a zip-top (or piping bag) squeeze your filling onto the dough! Just pinch the sides of the dough closed, sealing up all the filling and form your ropes into pretzels! Brush them lightly with an egg wash (to make them pretty) and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pull them out, brush on more egg wash and sprinkle on some extra cheese! Pop them back in the oven for another 15 and here’s what you will have…these are seriously as pretty as they are delicious. Knowing that they are filled with more cheesy goodness is the cherry on top! My kids went crazy for these! This recipe yields large pretzels, perfect for Game Day Snacks, sharing with a friend, or even a quick lunch on the go!
You’ll also sign up to get new recipes in your inbox. Δ
- I have partnered with Challenge Dairy on this post. Challenge is a brand that I have worked with for many many years and I am happy to use their products in my kitchen. All opinions are my own. Save Save
