Description
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are a delightful fusion of classic cheeseburgers and soft pretzels, featuring juicy meatballs wrapped in mozzarella-stuffed pizza dough and baked to a golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun appetizer that combines savory flavors with a chewy, pretzel-like crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Filling
- 1 lb pizza dough (455 g), left out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
- 7 slices American cheese, cut in half
- 14 frozen mini meatballs, thawed
Boiling Solution
- 1/4 cup baking soda (45 g)
- 5 cups water (1.2 L)
Topping and Serving
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sea salt
- Yellow mustard, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Cut the pizza dough into 14 evenly sized pieces. Stretch each piece into an 8-inch (20 cm) long strip.
- Assemble Bombs: Place a half slice of American cheese at the top of the dough strip, followed by a thawed mini meatball. Roll the dough tightly around the fillings, sealing the edges, and place each ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Boil Baking Soda Solution: Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and stir until completely dissolved. This solution will give the dough a pretzel-like texture and flavor.
- Boil Dough Balls: Carefully boil the dough balls in batches for 30 seconds each. This step firms up the exterior for the pretzel crust. Remove them with a slotted spoon and dab dry with a towel.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each boiled dough ball with the beaten egg to help them brown evenly and stick the coarse sea salt. Sprinkle salt generously on top.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bombs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm alongside yellow mustard if desired for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the mini meatballs are fully thawed before assembling for even cooking.
- Use American cheese for the authentic creamy meltiness, but feel free to substitute with cheddar or mozzarella for variation.
- The boiling step with baking soda is crucial to achieve the classic pretzel crust texture and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, serve with a side of spicy mustard or a cheese dip.
- Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make these gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative that performs well when boiled and baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
