Save A unique fusion of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors layered in buttery, flaky biscuit bars topped with crunchy pretzel pieces, these Maple Ginger Buffalo Ranch Flaky Pretzel Biscuit Bars are perfect for parties or adventurous snack lovers.
I created these biscuit bars as a twist for my weekly game night and they disappeared faster than any appetizer I have ever served. The unexpected combination of maple, ginger, spicy buffalo ranch, and salty pretzels sparked excited conversations and plenty of recipe requests.
Ingredients
- Biscuit Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 3/4 cup buttermilk (cold)
- Buffalo Ranch Layer: 1/3 cup hot buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Maple Ginger Syrup: 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (finely grated)
- Topping: 1 cup pretzel twists (roughly crushed), 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional), 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Biscuit Dough:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold buttermilk just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Shape Dough:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Fold into thirds, pat out, and fold again for flakiness.
- Press & Layer:
- Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, ranch, garlic and onion powder; spread evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle Maple Ginger:
- Stir together maple syrup and grated ginger. Drizzle over buffalo ranch layer.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top. Add cheese and chives if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until top is golden and center is cooked through.
- Cool & Slice:
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, lift out, and slice into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save My family now requests these bars at every celebration, and even picky eaters love the bold flavors. Sharing them after school has become our favorite snack ritual.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, 9x9-inch baking pan, parchment paper, knife or bench scraper, grater (for ginger).
Allergen Information
Bars contain gluten and dairy from flour, butter, buttermilk, and cheese; check pretzel packaging for added allergens like sesame, egg, or soy.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has approximately 235 calories, 11g fat, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g protein.
Save Serve these bars straight from the pan or pack for picnics. Their bold layers make every bite a fun, flavorful experience.
Cooking Questions
- → What makes the texture of these bars flaky?
Cold butter and gentle folding of the dough create air pockets for a flaky, tender crumb in each bar.
- → Can these bars be made vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter and ranch, with non-dairy milk plus vinegar instead of buttermilk for vegan options.
- → How spicy are the buffalo bars?
The spice level depends on your chosen buffalo sauce and can be increased with cayenne or extra hot sauce.
- → Do I need to use cheddar cheese?
Cheddar cheese is optional and adds savoriness; feel free to omit or substitute with a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- → Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes, bake and cool the bars, then slice and store in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat to serve warm.
- → Are these bars suitable for parties?
Absolutely! Their layered flavor and easy bar shape make them perfect for sharing at gatherings and events.