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A close-up showcases delicious Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs, perfect for a party appetizer or snack.

Easy Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

These Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a fun, bite-sized pretzel. Filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, these warm and soft pretzel bombs are perfect as an appetizer or snack. The baking soda bath is the secret to achieving an authentic pretzel taste and texture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse pretzel salt for topping
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Everything bagel seasoning optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Spoon
  • large pot
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Slotted spoon
  • mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the ketchup and mustard, and mix well.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into approximately 24 equal squares.
  8. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheeseburger filling in the center of each dough square.
  9. Bring the corners of the dough square together and pinch to seal, forming a ball. Make sure the seam is tightly closed. Place the sealed pretzel bombs on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
  10. In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of water to a boil.
  11. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water. Be careful, as it will bubble up.
  12. Working in batches, carefully drop the pretzel bombs into the boiling water for about 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
  13. Brush the tops of the pretzel bombs with the beaten egg.
  14. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt (and sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, if using).
  15. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  16. Let the pretzel bombs cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheeseburger filling. Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper jack, provolone, or Gouda. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. You can make the cheeseburger filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. These pretzel bombs can be frozen before baking. Assemble them, but don't boil them in the baking soda bath. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them completely and proceed with the baking soda bath and baking instructions. Store baked pretzel bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour to your work surface. If the filling is leaking out, make sure you pinch the seams of the dough tightly. If pretzel bombs are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.