Description
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are savory, cheesy handheld treats. Perfect for parties, these easy-to-make bites bring classic flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pretzel Dough Base:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Cheeseburger Filling Essentials:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pretzel Bath Ingredients:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast & Prep Dough:: First things first, let’s get that yeast bubbly. In a warm bowl, mix your warm water, a pinch of brown sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it hang out for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy, like a tiny science experiment! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be sleepy or expired, oops. Then, in a larger bowl, combine flour and salt, pouring in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix it all up until a shaggy dough forms, feeling a bit sticky but coming together. This is where the magic starts for your savory bites!
- Knead and Rise:: Now for the arm workout! Turn that shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic ball – it should spring back when you poke it. Don’t overdo it, but don’t underdo it either; it’s a delicate balance! Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel (mine usually has a flour smudge or two), and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is where the patience comes in for perfect pretzel bites.
- Make the Cheeseburger Filling:: While our dough is getting puffy, let’s tackle the filling. Brown your ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat – I usually use a spoon and a paper towel, a little messy but it works! Stir in your chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the onion softens and everything smells absolutely amazing, a truly comforting aroma. Let it cool down a bit before you mix in the shredded cheddar. We don’t want melted cheese just yet, not for these cheesy bites!
- Assemble the Bombs:: Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down – it’s so satisfying! Turn it out and divide it into about 12-16 equal pieces. I usually eyeball it, but sometimes I get a few giants and a few tiny ones, ha! Flatten each piece into a small disc. Place a spoonful of your cooled cheeseburger filling right in the center. Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them shut to seal, forming a neat little ball. Make sure it’s sealed well, or your cheese might stage a breakout during baking!
- The Pretzel Bath & Bake Prep:: This step is crucial for that authentic pretzel crust! Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a wide pot, bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully, using a slotted spoon, lower 2-3 bombs into the simmering bath for about 20-30 seconds per side. They’ll puff up a bit. Remove them, letting excess water drip off, and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each bomb with an egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. This is where they start to look like real savory pretzel bombs!
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Pop those beautiful bombs into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re a deep, golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them! When they come out, they’ll be piping hot and glorious, with that distinct pretzel aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool on a wire rack for just a few minutes before diving in, unless you’re like me and can’t resist a slightly-too-hot bite. Enjoy your homemade cheesy pretzel bombs!