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cheeseburger pretzel bombs

cheeseburger pretzel bombs

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are a delightful snack combining juicy seasoned ground beef, melty sharp cheddar cheese, and soft, chewy pretzel dough. Perfectly portable and customizable, these savory bites offer a unique twist on classic cheeseburgers with a signature pretzel crust. Ideal for parties, game days, or satisfying any craving, they come together quickly and impress with every flavorful, cheesy bite.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pretzel bombs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean to medium-fat ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 batch soft pretzel dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
  • Pickles, diced (optional, about 1/4 cup)

For Boiling

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. If using, stir in diced pickles. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. Shape the dough: Divide the pretzel dough into even-sized portions. Flatten each piece into a small round, enough to fully wrap around a spoonful of beef and cheese filling. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold the filling securely.
  3. Assemble the bombs: Place a generous spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal completely, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.
  4. Boil the bombs: Bring water mixed with baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the filled dough balls into the boiling bath and boil for 30 seconds. This step develops the pretzel’s characteristic crust and flavor.
  5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the boiled bombs onto a baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Properly seal the dough edges to prevent leaks during boiling and baking.
  • Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling to avoid premature melting of the cheese.
  • Use soft pretzel dough for the most authentic chewy texture, whether homemade or store-bought.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda boiling step; it’s essential for creating the classic pretzel crust.
  • Keep the size of each bomb consistent to ensure even cooking and an attractive presentation.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel bomb
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cheeseburger, pretzel bombs, snack, appetizer, game day food, soft pretzel, ground beef, cheddar cheese