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