Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown pretzel exterior that gives way to a juicy, cheesy burger filling – that’s the magic of Pretzel Cheeseburger Bombs! This innovative recipe combines the best of two beloved comfort foods, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something truly special, these bombs bring together the soft, chewy texture of pretzels with the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger.
Ingredients
Pretzel Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups / 400g flour
- 1 tablespoon / 12g sugar
- 1 packet / 7g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon / 6g salt
- 1 cup / 240ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon / 15ml oil
Cheeseburger Filling:
- 9 oz / 250g ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon / 15ml mustard
- 1 tablespoon / 15ml ketchup
- 3.5 oz / 100g cheddar or burger cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) chopped pickles or caramelized onions
Pretzel Coating:
- 4 cups / 960ml water
- 2 tablespoons / 30g baking soda
- Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy
- Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size
2. Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat
- Add chopped onions and cook until softened
- Stir in mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly
- If using, mix in chopped pickles or caramelized onions
3. Assemble the Bombs
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions
- Flatten each portion into a circle
- Place a cube of cheese and a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle
- Carefully fold the dough around the filling, pinching to seal completely
4. Pretzel Coating and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C)
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil
- Carefully dip each filled dough ball into the baking soda solution for 20-30 seconds
- Place the coated bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Brush with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bombs
- Servings: 4-6 people
Nutrition Information (Approximate per bomb)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Pro Tips
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking
- Let the bombs cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning
- Serve with extra mustard or ketchup for dipping
Enjoy these irresistible Pretzel Cheeseburger Bombs – a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of pretzels and burgers in one delightful bite!