Pin Buttery, flaky biscuit bars layered with tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and a crunchy pretzel topping are a savory snack that's always a winner—especially on game day.
The first time I made these bars was for a weekend get-together with friends, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the snack table.
Ingredients
- Biscuit Base: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (cold), 1 large egg
- Buffalo Ranch Layer: 1/3 cup (75 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing, 1/4 cup (60 ml) buffalo wing sauce, 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced green onions
- Pretzel Topping: 1 cup (50 g) mini pretzels (roughly crushed), 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Biscuit Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Add Butter:
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Stir into the dry mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
- Shape Dough:
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Mix Buffalo Ranch Layer:
- Beat together cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over biscuit base.
- Top with Cheese & Onions:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and green onions over the buffalo ranch layer.
- Make Pretzel Topping:
- In another bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and garlic powder. Scatter evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set.
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin Whenever I bring these bars to our family movie night, my kids always ask for extra ranch on the side.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can assemble the bars up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair especially well with extra ranch or celery sticks for dipping.
Variations
Switch out sharp cheddar for pepper jack, or add cayenne to the buffalo mix for extra heat.
Pin Cut these bars into squares for easy serving—a crowd-pleaser that will impress every time.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda make tasty substitutes and offer different flavor profiles.
- → How do I keep the biscuit base flaky?
Use cold butter and buttermilk, mix gently, and avoid overworking the dough for best flakiness.
- → Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh just before serving for optimal texture.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, but check ranch and pretzel labels for hidden animal products if strict vegetarian is needed.
- → What is the best way to serve these bars?
They're great warm or at room temperature, and extra ranch on the side makes a perfect dip.
- → Can I add more spice to the buffalo layer?
Try mixing in cayenne or use a spicier wing sauce for added heat.
