Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

If you’re craving a fun, savory, and irresistible snack, Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the perfect treat for you. These bite-sized bombs are packed with all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, pickles, and mustard—wrapped in a warm, soft, homemade pretzel dough. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for dinner, or just snacking, these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are guaranteed to be a hit!

What makes these pretzel bombs so special is their combination of comforting, familiar cheeseburger flavors inside a warm, doughy pretzel shell. The pretzel dough adds a rich, slightly salty flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef and melty cheese. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for satisfying those cheeseburger cravings in a fun, bite-sized way!

I first made these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs for a casual dinner with friends, and they were such a hit that they’ve become a staple in my household. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for any occasion. I’m sure they’ll be a new favorite in your kitchen too!

Why These Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Will Be Your New Favorite

• All the flavors of a cheeseburger: Packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, pickles, and mustard, these pretzel bombs are a fun twist on a classic cheeseburger.
• Perfectly portable: These mini bombs are perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun appetizer for dinner. They’re easy to eat and serve without any mess.
• Soft and doughy: The homemade pretzel dough is soft, chewy, and slightly salty, providing the perfect complement to the cheeseburger filling.
• Kid-friendly: These bite-sized treats are a big hit with kids, making them a great choice for family meals or snacks.
• Quick and easy: While they might seem fancy, these pretzel bombs are easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Cheeseburger Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pretzel Coating:

• 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling the dough)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

How to Make Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

1. Make the dough:
   In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Cook the beef:
   While the dough is rising, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in the mustard, chopped pickles, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the beef mixture.
3. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Shape the pretzel bombs:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12-16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a small circle, then place about 1 tablespoon of the cheeseburger filling in the center. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal the bomb. Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling.
5. Boil the pretzel bombs:
   In a large pot, bring about 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Carefully drop the pretzel bombs, a few at a time, into the water. Boil each one for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each bomb with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
6. Bake the pretzel bombs:
   Bake the pretzel bombs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the pretzel crust is crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Serve these warm Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs with extra mustard or ketchup for dipping. Enjoy the delicious combination of cheesy, meaty goodness inside the warm, doughy pretzel crust!

Tips

• Don’t overstuff: Be careful not to overfill the pretzel dough with the cheeseburger mixture. About a tablespoon per bomb is just right to ensure they seal properly.
• Add extra cheese: If you love extra cheesy bites, you can sprinkle more shredded cheese inside the bombs before sealing them up.
• Use lean beef: To reduce the fat, use lean ground beef or turkey for the filling.
• Freezing option: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pretzel bombs for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use turkey or chicken: If you prefer a lighter filling, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add bacon: For an extra indulgent treat, add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
• Swap the cheese: Try using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a fun twist on the flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a veggie burger mixture or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole wheat flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, fiber-rich version of the dough.
• Low-fat cheese: Use low-fat cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter option.

Closing

And there you have it! Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized snack that combines the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of soft, warm pretzel dough. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a fun weeknight meal, or just craving a savory treat, these pretzel bombs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to let us know how your Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy, savory recipes for even more flavor-packed inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pretzel bombs ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the bombs, freeze them before baking, and bake them directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or pretzel dough as a shortcut.
3. What can I serve with these pretzel bombs?
   These are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
4. Can I use a different filling?
   Yes! You can get creative with the filling. Try using ground turkey, pulled pork, or a veggie mixture instead of ground beef.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover pretzel bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pretzel dough to make these bombs gluten-free.
7. Can I freeze these pretzel bombs?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pretzel bombs for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen.
8. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, a veggie burger mixture, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
9. How do I get the pretzel crust extra crispy?
   Make sure to boil the pretzel bombs in baking soda water before baking. This step helps achieve the signature crispy texture of a traditional pretzel.
10. Can I use cheese other than cheddar?
    Yes! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any other cheese you prefer for the filling.