Sizzling Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe: Bite-Sized Bliss

Crispy golden pretzel dough wraps around juicy cheeseburger filling, creating an irresistible snack that combines two classic comfort foods.

Melted cheese oozes from these handheld delights, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

Salty pretzels provide a perfect crunch that complements the rich burger ingredients inside.

Ingredients from your favorite cheeseburger merge seamlessly into a portable, crowd-pleasing treat.

Weekend gatherings just got a whole lot more exciting with this playful fusion of flavors.

Munching on these bombs will transport you straight to taste bud paradise.

Ready to wow everyone at your next get-together with this epic mashup?

Ingredients Needed For Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the delicious core of the pretzel bombs.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor to the filling.
• Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle Relish: Classic burger condiments that enhance the overall taste profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for creating the soft pretzel dough.
• Active Dry Yeast, Sugar: Essential for helping the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender dough.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together.

• Egg: Used for creating a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on the pretzel bombs.
• Baking Soda: Helps create the classic pretzel crust and brown color.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Provides a traditional pretzel topping and extra flavor burst.

Instructions To Make Pretzel Bombs With Ease

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, sizzle ground beef with finely chopped onions until the meat turns a rich golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the filling lean and delicious.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Introduce ketchup, mustard, and tangy pickle relish to the beef mixture.

Let the ingredients dance together for about 2 minutes, developing a mouthwatering flavor profile.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheese

Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese into the cooled beef mixture, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout the filling.

Step 4: Activate Yeast

• Warm water
• Yeast
• Sugar

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy and fragrant.

Step 5: Prepare Pretzel Dough

• Flour
• Salt
• Melted butter

Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Develop Dough Texture

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until silky smooth.

Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for one hour or until doubled in size.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 425F (220C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Divide And Shape

Punch down the risen dough and divide into 16 equal portions.

Step 9: Create Filling Pockets

Flatten each dough piece into a small circle.

Spoon a tablespoon of beef mixture into the center of each circle.

Step 10: Seal The Bombs

Carefully fold dough edges over the filling, pinching to create a secure seal.

Roll into perfect little balls.

Step 11: Boiling Bath

Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a rolling boil.

Step 12: Water Bath Technique

Gently drop each pretzel bomb into the boiling water for 30 seconds.

Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.

Step 13: Final Prep

Brush each bomb with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for extra flavor and shine.

Step 14: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 15: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the pretzel bombs to cool slightly, then serve warm.

Watch as everyone devours these irresistible treats!

Tips For Gooey Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs At Home

• Remove all excess fat from the ground beef to prevent soggy pretzel bombs and ensure a crisp, delicious texture.
• Opt for extra sharp cheddar to boost the flavor profile and create a more intense cheese experience.
• Use lukewarm water when dissolving yeast to activate it perfectly without killing the live cultures.
• Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during boiling and baking, maintaining a neat presentation.
• Allow pretzel bombs to cool for a few minutes after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.

Pretzel Bomb Variations For Extra Snacking Fun

• Vegetarian Bomb: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining the same spice and texture profile for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap pretzel dough with fathead dough made from almond flour, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a low-carbohydrate option.
• Turkey Burger Bomb: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein choice, keeping the cheese and condiment mix intact.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free ingredients to create a celiac-friendly version of the pretzel bombs.

How To Serve Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs With Dips

Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these cheeseburger pretzel bombs on a large wooden board with dipping sauces like extra ketchup, mustard, and ranch for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.

Picnic Power Snack: Pack these portable bombs in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, school lunches, or road trips – they’re easy to eat and full of delicious flavor.

Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these warm pretzel bombs during sports events, movie nights, or casual gatherings as a hearty finger food that everyone will love and devour quickly.

Kids’ Favorite Meal: Cut the pretzel bombs in half for smaller portions, making them perfect for children’s parties or as a fun dinner option that sneaks in protein and excitement.

Storage Solutions For Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

• Store cooled pretzel bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each bomb individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place pretzel bombs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated pretzel bombs and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain pretzel's crisp texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the pretzel dough unique?

The dough uses yeast, sugar, warm water, flour, salt, and melted butter, creating a soft and stretchy base that gives the pretzel bombs their signature texture.

• Why do the pretzel bombs need to be boiled in baking soda water?

Boiling in baking soda water creates the classic pretzel dark brown exterior and gives them their distinctive chewy, glossy crust that’s different from regular baked goods.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or swiss, which will add different flavor profiles to the pretzel bombs.

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Bring Fun To Snacking

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with juicy ground beef, tangy condiments, and melted cheddar cheese, these pretzel bombs deliver an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Master Comfort Food: Transform classic cheeseburger ingredients into a fun, handheld treat that combines the best of pretzels and burger flavors for ultimate comfort eating.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for game days, potlucks, family gatherings, or as a unique appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults with its playful presentation and familiar taste profile.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the filling by swapping beef for ground turkey, adding different cheeses, or incorporating extra herbs and spices to match your personal preference.

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cheeseburger pretzel bombs merge classic American burger flavors with crispy pretzel dough, creating a mouthwatering handheld snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef nestle inside golden-brown pretzel shells, promising irresistible bites you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1/4 cup pickle relish

Dough and Baking Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, ensuring complete meat cooking and rendering excess fat.
2. Incorporate ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish into the meat mixture, stirring and cooking for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Allow meat mixture to cool slightly, then gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese for even distribution.
4. Activate yeast by dissolving it with sugar in warm water, letting the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
5. Create dough by combining flour, salt, and melted butter with the activated yeast mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
6. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead thoroughly for 5 minutes, developing gluten and achieving a smooth texture. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 1 hour.
7. Heat oven to 425F (220C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for pretzel bombs.
8. Deflate risen dough and divide into 16 uniform portions.
9. Gently flatten each dough piece into a small circle, creating a surface for filling.
10. Spoon beef mixture into dough centers, carefully folding and pinching edges to completely encase the filling.
11. Prepare boiling water bath with baking soda for traditional pretzel treatment.
12. Submerge each assembled bomb in boiling water for 30 seconds, creating a characteristic pretzel exterior.
13. Transfer bombs back to baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for enhanced flavor and appearance.
14. Bake for 12-15 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration.
15. Allow bombs to cool momentarily before serving, ensuring optimal temperature and texture for enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap Ground Beef for Healthier Alternatives like lean turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Gluten-Free Option can be achieved by using gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Control Sodium Levels by using low-sodium condiments and reducing added salt, making the recipe heart-friendly and suitable for individuals monitoring their salt intake.
• Vegetarian Transformation is possible by replacing beef with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg