Pin Savory, tangy muffins bursting with spicy buffalo flavor, creamy ranch and cream cheese, finished with a crunchy pretzel topping—a perfect game-day snack or party treat.
I baked these for my friends on game night, and everyone raved about the combination of buffalo sauce, ranch, and the crunchy pretzel topping. These muffins disappear fast!
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g), melted
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115 g), shredded
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Eggs: 2 large
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Ranch seasoning powder: 2 tbsp
- Crushed pretzels: 3/4 cup (50 g)
- Melted butter (for topping): 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Chives (optional): 1 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add cheese:
- Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Divide batter:
- Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Prepare pretzel topping:
- In a small bowl, combine crushed pretzels with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle generously over each muffin.
- Bake:
- Bake 18–22 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Garnish with chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm.
Pin My kids love helping sprinkle the pretzel topping, and this recipe always brings everyone to the kitchen when the muffins come out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these muffins with your favorite crisp lager or pale ale—perfect for parties and game nights. You can also offer with celery sticks for extra crunch.
Flavor Variations
Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or swap cheddar for blue cheese if you want a tangier flavor twist.
Storage Tips
Keep muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to restore their soft texture.
Pin These muffins are sure to wow guests. Enjoy fresh from the oven for the perfect soft, spicy bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the muffins tangy and spicy?
The combination of buffalo wing sauce and ranch seasoning adds both tanginess and a hint of spice.
- → Can I use blue cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, substituting blue cheese for cheddar creates a bolder, more pungent flavor profile.
- → What is the texture like?
Each muffin is soft and fluffy inside, with a crunchy pretzel topping for added contrast.
- → Are these muffins vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients used are vegetarian friendly.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep muffins in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving for optimal texture.
- → Can I make the muffins spicier?
Absolutely, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra buffalo sauce for extra heat.