Description
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are a fun and savory appetizer combining juicy seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and soft pretzel dough. These bite-sized treats feature a soft, chewy pretzel exterior with a flavorful cheeseburger filling, perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
Dough & Toppings
- 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Flour for dusting
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Ketchup or mustard for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat. Set the mixture aside to cool to avoid melting the dough prematurely.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to divide the dough evenly into 16 squares, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Assemble Bombs: Place a small scoop of the cooled beef mixture and a square of cheddar cheese in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling carefully to create a ball, making sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent leaks.
- Boil in Baking Soda Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up) and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Using a slotted spoon, gently drop each dough ball into the water for about 30 seconds. This step creates the characteristic pretzel crust. Remove each ball and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of each pretzel bomb with the beaten egg to give a golden shiny crust when baked. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pretzel bombs are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure the beef mixture is cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming too soft or tearing.
- Boiling in baking soda water is essential for the pretzel-like crust; do not skip or reduce the baking soda amount.
- You can substitute cheddar with any cheese of your choice like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a crispier crust, brush the pretzel bombs with an additional egg wash halfway through baking.
