Gather round, my fellow flavor enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a delicious journey with our Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels Bake With Bourbon Kick. This epic comfort classic is a harmonious blend of cheesy, spicy, and smoky goodness, all wrapped up in a cozy, crispy pretzel crust. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds dancing with delight!
Why You’ll Love This Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels Bake With Bourbon Kick
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown pretzel, only to be greeted by a molten, zesty pepperjack cheese filling and a smoky, bourbon-infused kick. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, with a touch of unexpected flair. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie night, a festive gathering, or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels Bake is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this flavor-packed adventure! You’ll need flour, yeast, warm water, butter, sugar, salt, pepperjack cheese, ranch seasoning, bourbon, and a few other pantry staples. The key to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in the perfect blend of these carefully selected ingredients.
- 3 cups (375g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) – Active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) – Warm water
- 4 tablespoons (56g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) – Granulated sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Cheddar or a blend of pepperjack and cheddar (for a milder flavor)
- Bourbon: Omit the bourbon and add a splash of your favorite vinegar or citrus juice for a tangy twist (for a non-alcoholic version)
How to Make Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels Bake With Bourbon Kick
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible dish!
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the warm water and knead the mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let it rise for about an hour, until it’s doubled in size.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the dough has risen, divide it into individual portions and shape them into pretzel knots. Arrange the pretzel knots on a baking sheet and brush them with a mixture of melted butter and bourbon. Bake until golden-brown and crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a separate bowl, mix the pepperjack cheese, ranch seasoning, and a splash of bourbon to create the irresistible filling. Carefully slice open the baked pretzels and spoon the cheesy mixture into the centers. Bake the stuffed pretzels for a few more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To add the final touch of indulgence, drizzle the warm pretzels with a creamy, zesty bourbon-ranch sauce. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Version: Use a mixture of pepperjack and jalapeño cheese for an extra kick of heat.
- Decadent Twist: Add crumbled bacon or caramelized onions to the filling for a more indulgent experience.
- Cheese Experimentation: Try different types of cheese and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Dietary Swap: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cold beer or a crisp, refreshing salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the pretzels in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Make-Ahead: The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake the pretzels.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a comfort food lover’s dream, but it’s also surprisingly packed with nutrients. The combination of cheese, ranch seasoning, and protein-rich dough provides a satisfying and filling meal. Of course, as with any indulgent dish, moderation is key, so be sure to enjoy these pretzels in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pretzel
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and bake the pretzels.
Can I freeze the baked pretzels?
Yes, you can! Simply let the baked pretzels cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While pepperjack is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination.
How spicy are these pretzels?
The pepperjack cheese adds a nice kick of heat, but it’s not overpowering. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of pepperjack or use a blend of cheeses. For an extra spicy version, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the recipe should work just as well with a gluten-free dough.
Try These Next
- pepperjack pepper chicken stuffed with bourbon kick
- grilled ranch pretzels bombs with bourbon drizzle
- maple onion egg rolls skillet bake with bourbon drizzle
Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels Bake With Bourbon Kick
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperjack Ranch Pretzels are the perfect comfort food with a spicy bourbon kick! Ideal for game nights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 lb pretzel dough
– 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Sesame seeds (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Knead the pretzel dough until smooth and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
4. In a bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, bourbon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
5. Brush each pretzel with the ranch mixture and sprinkle with pepperjack cheese.
6. Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
For a milder flavor, use mild cheddar cheese instead of pepperjack.
Feel free to substitute the bourbon for apple cider vinegar if preferred.
These pretzels are best served warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pretzels, comfort food, bourbon, spicy