If you’re a fan of classic cheeseburgers and soft pretzels, prepare yourself for the best of both worlds with Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for game day, a family gathering, or even a weekend treat. Imagine juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in fluffy biscuit dough with a soft pretzel-like crust. It’s a combination that will leave everyone wanting more!
In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through every step of making these mouthwatering cheeseburger pretzel bombs, answer common questions, and give you some pro tips along the way. Let’s dive into the delicious world of cheeseburger-filled pretzels!
Ingredients with Quantities
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients ready and measured. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides that irresistible savory flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the beef and seasonings.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance the flavors.
- 1 tbsp mustard: Yellow mustard works best for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Adds tanginess and a hint of sweetness.
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes: Sharp cheddar is ideal for that gooey center.
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough: Each biscuit will be flattened and filled.
- 6 cups water: Used for boiling the pretzel bombs.
- 1/4 cup baking soda: Creates the signature pretzel texture and color.
- 1 egg, beaten: For brushing on the dough to give it a golden sheen.
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling): A finishing touch for a classic pretzel taste.
Directions and Preparation Method
Let’s go step-by-step to make these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs.
1. Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pretzel bombs will cook evenly and come out golden brown.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are softened (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the mustard and ketchup, mixing until well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Flatten each biscuit using your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about 3-4 inches in diameter. This creates enough space for the filling.
4. Fill the Dough
Spoon a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of the beef mixture into the center of each flattened biscuit. Place a cube of cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal. You should end up with a small dough ball that encases the filling completely.
5. Prepare the Pretzel Bath
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda (it will fizz up, so add it slowly).
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop each dough ball into the boiling water. Let them cook for 20-30 seconds. This quick bath gives the dough that classic pretzel-like texture and a beautiful golden color. Remove each ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Brush with Egg and Salt
Once all your dough balls are boiled, brush each one with the beaten egg. This will give your pretzel bombs a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle coarse salt on top for that classic pretzel flavor.
7. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bombs are golden brown and cooked through. The dough will be soft and chewy on the outside, with a gooey cheeseburger filling on the inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the pretzel bombs cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still melty and the flavors are at their peak. Serve them with extra mustard or ketchup on the side for dipping.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Q2: Can I make these pretzel bombs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pretzel bombs ahead of time. Once they’re boiled, you can refrigerate them and bake them just before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze them after boiling and bake from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
Q3: What should I serve with Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs?
These pretzel bombs are great on their own, but they also pair well with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or even a cheese sauce. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of fries or a fresh salad.
Q4: Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just follow the same steps for seasoning and filling.
Q5: What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough, you can make your own dough using a basic bread or pizza dough recipe. The key is to roll it out thinly so it wraps around the filling without being too thick.
Q6: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Feel free to customize the filling! You can add cooked bacon, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to overstuff the dough, or it may burst during baking.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the ultimate savory snack that combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious bite. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and soft pretzel-like dough is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving something indulgent, these pretzel bombs will satisfy every craving.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to your liking, experiment with different cheeses, or even make a vegetarian version. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids, who will love shaping the dough and helping with the pretzel bath.