If you’re a fan of both cheeseburgers and soft pretzels, then you’re in for a real treat with these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs! These delightful little bites combine the best of both worlds by wrapping juicy meatballs and gooey melted cheese in a warm, soft pretzel exterior. They’re the perfect snack or party appetizer, offering all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, poppable form.
Jump to RecipeWhether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a delicious snack, these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make and even more fun to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1. Pizza Dough (1 lb)
The base of these pretzel bombs is pizza dough, which provides the soft, chewy texture of a traditional pretzel. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own if you prefer. Letting the dough rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before working with it makes it more pliable and easier to handle.
Pro Tip: You can substitute pizza dough with pre-made pretzel dough if you’re looking for an even more authentic pretzel flavor!
2. American Cheese (7 Slices)
Each pretzel bomb is stuffed with American cheese, which melts beautifully and gives you that classic cheeseburger flavor. Cut each slice of cheese in half to make a total of 14 pieces—one for each pretzel bomb.
Alternative: If you’re not a fan of American cheese, feel free to substitute with your favorite melty cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack.
3. Mini Meatballs (14 Frozen, Thawed)
The filling for these pretzel bombs is made with mini meatballs. Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs that have been thawed makes this recipe quick and easy. The meatballs provide the juicy, savory flavor you’d expect from a cheeseburger.
Pro Tip: You can make your own mini meatballs using ground beef, or experiment with different types of meat like turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
4. Baking Soda (¼ Cup)
To give the pretzel bombs their classic pretzel texture and golden-brown color, you’ll need to boil them in a baking soda bath before baking. This is what creates the slightly crispy, chewy crust that makes pretzels so delicious.
5. Water (5 Cups)
You’ll need 5 cups of water to boil the pretzel bombs in, along with the baking soda. This step is essential for achieving the pretzel-like texture and color.
6. Egg (1, Beaten)
Before baking, each pretzel bomb gets brushed with a beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. The egg wash also helps the coarse salt adhere to the tops of the pretzel bombs.
7. Coarse Sea Salt
A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of each pretzel bomb adds that signature salty bite you’d expect from a pretzel. You can adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
8. Yellow Mustard (Optional, for Serving)
Serve these pretzel bombs with yellow mustard for dipping, which pairs perfectly with the cheeseburger flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try other dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or even cheese sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent the pretzel bombs from sticking.
Step 2: Cut the Pizza Dough
Take your pizza dough and divide it into 14 equal pieces. If the dough is sticky, you can lightly flour your hands and work surface to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bombs
Take each piece of dough and stretch it out into a long strip, about 8 inches (20 cm) long. Place a half slice of American cheese at the top of the strip, followed by one of the thawed mini meatballs.
Roll the dough tightly around the cheese and meatball, making sure to completely encase the filling. Rotate the dough as you roll to prevent any gaps or holes. Pinch the seams of the dough to seal it, then place the rolled dough ball on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, cheese, and meatballs.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add ¼ cup of baking soda and stir to dissolve. Return the water to a boil.
Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bombs
Working in batches of about 3-5 pretzel bombs at a time, carefully drop the dough balls into the boiling water and let them cook for 20-30 seconds, stirring gently to prevent sticking. This step helps create the chewy pretzel texture.
After boiling, remove the pretzel bombs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining pretzel bombs.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Add Salt
Once all the pretzel bombs have been boiled, transfer them back to the baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg, ensuring the tops are evenly coated. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sea salt to your liking.
Step 7: Bake the Pretzel Bombs
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pretzel bombs are golden brown and the outsides are crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pretzel bombs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with yellow mustard for dipping, or get creative with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs
These crispy bombs are packed with cheese, meatballs, and a hint of saltiness. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy these special occasion appetizers for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
for 14 bombs
1 lb pizza dough(455 g), left out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
7 slices american cheese, cut in half
14 frozen mini meatballs, thawed
¼ cup baking soda(45 g)
5 cups water(1.2 L)
1 egg, beaten
coarse sea salt
yellow mustard, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into 14 evenly sized pieces. Working one at a time, stretch out a piece of dough into a long strip, about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.
- Place a piece of cheese at the top, followed by a meatball, and roll up the cheese and meatball in the dough. Rotate halfway through rolling to ensure you are completely encasing the cheese and meet in the dough. Pull tightly and use any remaining slack to cover any possible gaps/holes. Press the dough into itself to seal and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, cheese, and meatballs.
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the 5 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda and stir to dissolve. Return the pot to a boil.
- In batches (about 3-5 at a time), add the rolled dough balls to the pot and boil for 20-30 seconds, stirring gently. Remove and dab on paper towels before placing back on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
- Brush each boiled ball with beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the outsides have browned. Serve warm with mustard, if desired.
Tips and Variations: Customize Your Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs
1. Make Them Cheesy
If you’re a cheese lover, you can add extra cheese inside each pretzel bomb or sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
2. Add Bacon
Take these pretzel bombs to the next level by adding a slice of cooked bacon inside each dough ball before wrapping them up. This will give you a smoky, savory twist on the classic cheeseburger flavor.
3. Experiment with Fillings
While mini meatballs are used in this recipe, you can experiment with other fillings like mini sausage links, hot dogs, or even ground beef patties for a more traditional cheeseburger experience.
4. Make Them Spicy
For a spicy kick, try adding a slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or spicy mustard.
Conclusion: A Fun, Savory Snack with a Cheeseburger Twist
These Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the perfect combination of flavors and textures—cheesy, savory, and wrapped in a soft, salty pretzel exterior. They’re a fun and unique way to enjoy all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just a fun snack, they’re sure to impress!
Serve them with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce, and watch as these irresistible pretzel bombs disappear off the plate!