Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the ultimate combination of two beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers and soft pretzels. These bite-sized treats are filled with a savory ground beef mixture that’s seasoned with ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish, then mixed with melty cheddar cheese. The filling is wrapped in homemade pretzel dough, boiled in a baking soda bath, and baked until golden brown. The result is a warm, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned snack that’s ideal for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground Beef: 1 lb, cooked with onions and seasoned with ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish for a flavorful filling.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, adds a melty, cheesy goodness to the filling.
• Warm Water: 1 1/2 cups, used to activate the yeast for the pretzel dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp), helps the dough rise, giving it a soft, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups, provides the structure and texture for the pretzel dough.
• Salt: 1 tsp, enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup, melted, adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Water: 10 cups, used for the baking soda bath, which gives the pretzel bombs their signature texture and flavor.
• Baking Soda: 2/3 cup, added to the boiling water to create the baking soda bath for the pretzel bombs.
• Egg: 1, beaten, used as an egg wash to give the pretzel bombs a shiny, golden finish.
• Coarse Sea Salt: for sprinkling, adds a savory, crunchy finish to the pretzel bombs.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2:

Stir in ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3:

Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 5:

Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 6:

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 7:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8:

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces.

Step 9:

Flatten each piece of dough into a small circle. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each circle.

Step 10:

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Roll into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 11:

In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil.

Step 12:

Carefully drop each pretzel bomb into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.

Step 13:

Brush each pretzel bomb with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Step 14:

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 15:

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy, meaty pretzel bombs warm!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these pretzel bombs warm for the best flavor and texture.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• These pretzel bombs are also great for meal prep—freeze them before baking, and when you're ready to eat, simply thaw, bake, and enjoy!

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• For a cheesier bomb, increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese in the filling or add a small cube of cheese in the center of each bomb.
• To make the dough easier to work with, lightly flour your hands and the work surface while shaping the pretzel bombs.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Tip: Make sure your water is at the right temperature (110°F) when activating the yeast to ensure a good rise in the dough.
• Chef Tip: When boiling the pretzel bombs, don’t overcrowd the pot—boil them in batches to prevent them from sticking together.
• Chef Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the pretzel bombs with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

The Perfect Game Day Snack

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the perfect addition to any game day spread. The combination of a soft pretzel exterior and a cheesy, meaty filling makes these bites a fan favorite. They’re easy to eat, packed with flavor, and satisfying, making them an ideal snack for cheering on your favorite team. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy the game without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve them with a side of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or even cheese sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Fun and Flavorful Party Food

These Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are not only delicious but also fun to make and eat. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. The pretzel dough is easy to work with, and the filling can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you stick with the classic cheeseburger flavors or experiment with different fillings, these pretzel bombs are sure to impress. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course with a side salad—no matter how you enjoy them, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pretzel dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made pretzel dough to save time. Just follow the instructions for boiling and baking as directed in the recipe.

How do I prevent the pretzel bombs from leaking?

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to seal the filling inside. Also, avoid overfilling the bombs to prevent leaks during baking.

Can I freeze these pretzel bombs?

Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bombs before baking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What other fillings can I use?

You can experiment with different fillings such as pizza toppings, taco meat, or even a vegetarian filling with sautéed mushrooms and cheese.

How do I reheat leftover pretzel bombs?

Reheat leftover pretzel bombs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the perfect snack for game day or any casual gathering. These delicious bites feature a soft pretzel crust filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and the classic flavors of a cheeseburger. After being boiled in a baking soda bath, the pretzel bombs are baked to golden perfection and topped with coarse sea salt. Serve them warm and watch them disappear as everyone enjoys this fun, flavorful twist on a cheeseburger!