Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- Optional: diced pickles, jalapeños, bacon bits
Pretzel Dough
- 1 batch pretzel dough (store-bought or homemade)
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat. Stir in diced onions, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture cool slightly before assembling.
- Shape the pretzel dough: Roll out the pretzel dough and cut it into small squares, large enough to fully wrap the beef and cheese filling.
- Assemble the bombs: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture and a cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each dough square. Pinch the edges tightly together to seal and form a smooth ball.
- Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Drop each sealed dough ball into the bath for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Bake until golden: Arrange the bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Seal well: Ensure dough is tightly sealed around the filling to prevent cheese leaks during baking.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath: Essential for authentic pretzel crust texture and flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts best and enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
- Let filling cool: Cooling the beef mixture before wrapping prevents sogginess or dough tearing.
- Experiment with sizes: Keep snacks bite-sized for optimal eating and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free dough substitute)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bomb
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, pretzel bombs, appetizer, snack, finger food, game day food