Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and these cheeseburger pretzel bombs recipe deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Crispy, golden pretzels wrapped around juicy seasoned beef create an irresistible handheld snack.

Melted cheese oozes from each bite, promising a flavor explosion that will make everyone at the table cheer.

The combination of soft pretzel dough and savory burger filling turns an ordinary meal into a celebration.

Each bomb packs a punch of familiar flavors you know and love.

Baked until perfectly golden brown, these treats are guaranteed to vanish faster than you can serve them.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing recipe that combines two beloved favorites into one incredible dish.

How to Keep Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Tasting Fresh

  • Store leftover cheeseburger pretzel bombs in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap each pretzel bomb individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place pretzel bombs on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to ensure even warming. Add a few drops of water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of boiling the dough balls in baking soda water?

The baking soda bath helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior and gives the pretzel bombs a traditional pretzel-like texture and flavor. It also helps the dough develop a beautiful shine and deep brown color during baking.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the meatball’s flavor. Choose a cheese that creates a gooey, melty center when baked.

  • Do I need any special skills to make these pretzel bombs?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The key is to seal the dough completely around the cheese and meatball to prevent leaking. Take your time wrapping and pinching the dough edges.

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs: Savory Snack Bursting with Flavor

  • Combines the irresistible flavors of cheeseburgers and pretzels in one delightful bite-sized package, creating a crowd-pleasing snack that satisfies major cravings.
  • Requires basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want to impress without stress.
  • Perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or casual family meals where everyone loves finger foods that pack a punch of flavor and excitement.
  • Allows flexible ingredient swaps like different cheeses, meats, or seasonings, giving cooks the freedom to experiment and make the recipe their own signature dish.

All the Fixings for Gooey Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

Base Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy foundation that will wrap and hold the delicious filling.
  • Meatballs: Savory and hearty protein that creates the core of each cheeseburger pretzel bomb.
  • Cheese: Melty and rich ingredient that provides a creamy center to the bombs.
Boiling and Coating Ingredients:
  • Water, Baking Soda: These ingredients create a classic pretzel-style boiling bath that gives the exterior a distinctive golden-brown color and chewy texture.
  • Egg: A beaten egg wash that helps achieve a shiny and golden-brown surface when baked.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle of salt that enhances the overall flavor and adds a nice textural crunch to the exterior.
  • Mustard: An optional condiment for serving that complements the savory flavors of the cheeseburger pretzel bombs.

Kitchen Gear to Bake Perfect Pretzel Bombs at Home

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for holding and baking the pretzel bombs.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Medium Saucepan: Used for boiling water and creating the baking soda bath.
  • Mixing Bowl: Helpful for beating the egg for brushing.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly coating pretzel bombs with egg wash.
  • Paper Towels: Needed to drain boiled dough balls.
  • Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring water and ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Useful for cutting pizza dough into even pieces.
  • Tongs: Great for safely removing dough balls from boiling water.

Rolling and Baking Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs—Step by Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Turn your oven to a toasty 425 F (220 C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Slice the pizza dough into 14 equal pieces.

Take each piece and gently stretch it into a long, thin strip about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Meat Pockets

For each dough strip:
  • Place a slice of cheese at the top
  • Add a juicy meatball
  • Carefully roll the dough around the cheese and meatball
  • Rotate while rolling to completely cover the filling
  • Pinch and seal any potential gaps
  • Ensure the filling is totally enclosed

Place each completed bomb on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Prepare Boiling Liquid

Fill a medium saucepan with 5 cups of water.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Stir in baking soda until completely dissolved.

Step 5: Boil the Dough Bombs

Carefully drop 3-5 dough bombs into the boiling water.

Boil for 20-30 seconds, gently stirring.

Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry with paper towels.

Return to baking sheet.

Repeat with remaining bombs.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Brush each boiled bomb with beaten egg.

Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bombs turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Serve piping hot with a side of mustard for dipping if you’d like.

Pro Secrets for Irresistible Pretzel Bombs Every Time

  • Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese and meatball from leaking during boiling or baking.
  • Keep water at steady boil and don't overcrowd when adding dough balls to maintain water temperature.
  • Sprinkle coarse sea salt just before baking to ensure crisp texture and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Enjoy immediately after baking for optimal cheese melt and pretzel crust crunchiness.
  • Swap meatballs with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables for dietary preferences.

Exciting Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian Pretzel Bombs: Replace meatballs with roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap pizza dough with gluten-free alternative made from almond or rice flour, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños inside the dough, use pepper jack cheese, and include ground chorizo instead of traditional meatballs for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pizza dough with thin cheese wraps or large lettuce leaves, using lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter approach.

Fun Ways to Serve These Pretzel Bomb Delights

Party Platter Perfection: Create an epic game day or movie night spread by arranging these cheeseburger pretzel bombs on a large wooden board with various dipping sauces like spicy mustard, ranch, and ketchup.

Appetizer Adventure: Slice these bombs in half to reveal the cheesy meatball center, making them perfect bite-sized appetizers for casual gatherings or potluck parties.

Picnic Popup: Pack these portable treats in a cooler for outdoor events, tailgating, or beach picnics – they’re easy to transport and taste delicious at room temperature.

Kid-Friendly Delight: Cut into smaller pieces for children’s lunch boxes or as a fun after-school snack that combines their favorite flavors of cheese, meat, and bread.

Print
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Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14 1x

Description

Savory cheeseburger pretzel bombs blend classic American flavors with German-inspired pretzel dough. Ground beef and melted cheese create a delicious handheld snack you’ll want to serve at game day parties or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (455 g) pizza dough
  • 7 slices American cheese
  • 14 frozen mini meatballs

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 5 cups (1.2 L) water
  • 1/4 cup (45 g) baking soda
  • 1 egg, beaten

Garnish and Serving:

  • Coarse sea salt
  • Yellow mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Divide pizza dough into 14 equal portions, carefully stretching each piece into a long, thin strip approximately 8 inches in length.
  3. Position a cheese slice at the top of each dough strip, then carefully place a meatball alongside it. Meticulously roll the dough, ensuring complete coverage of both cheese and meatball with no exposed areas.
  4. Seal each dough bundle by pressing edges together, creating a secure pocket that prevents ingredients from leaking during cooking.
  5. Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Add baking soda and stir until completely dissolved.
  6. Gently lower prepared dough bombs into boiling water in small batches, submerging for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and pat dry on paper towels.
  7. Transfer boiled dough bombs back to the prepared baking sheet, then generously coat each with beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
  8. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the egg-washed surface to enhance flavor and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the exterior turns a rich, golden-brown color, indicating a crisp and perfectly cooked pretzel bomb.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by tangy mustard for dipping if desired.

Notes

  • Dough Flexibility: Use store-bought pizza dough or homemade for easier handling and consistent texture.
  • Cheese Selection: Choose melty cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella that create gooey interior when baked.
  • Meat Alternatives: Swap meatballs with vegetarian options like plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables for dietary preferences.
  • Sealing Technique: Pinch dough edges firmly to prevent cheese and filling from leaking during boiling and baking process.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 14
  • Calories: 154
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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