Close-up cheeseburger pretzel bomb with melted cheddar and seasoned beef filling on a sesame-topped bun

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs: Gooey Cheddar–Stuffed Pretzel Bites (Easy Game-Day Appetizer)

Bymyketotaste.com

Everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger wrapped inside a soft, golden pretzel bite. Gooey cheddar, seasoned beef, and that classic pretzel snap after a quick baking-soda bath—game-day perfection and a total crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
  • 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 10 cups (2.4 L) water
  • 2/3 cup (150 g) baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp coarse salt, for sprinkling
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Ketchup & mustard, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, 5–7 minutes. Drain fat. Stir in ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
  3. Portion dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 equal squares.
  4. Fill & seal: Add a spoonful of beef mixture and one cheddar cube to each square. Pull corners up and pinch well to seal into a tight ball.
  5. Pretzel bath: Bring 10 cups water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil in a large pot; reduce to a simmer. Using a slotted spoon, lower each ball into the water for 20–30 seconds. Transfer to the baking sheet.
  6. Top & bake: Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt and sesame seeds (if using). Bake 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed.
  7. Serve: Enjoy warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Overhead sheet pan of golden cheeseburger pretzel bombs with sesame seeds, ketchup and mustard for dipping
Batch of pretzel bombs—baked golden and ready to dip.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pretzel bombs
  • Category: Appetizer / Snack
  • Method: Boil & Bake (Pretzel)
  • Cuisine: American
Hands pull apart a cheeseburger pretzel bomb with a long gooey cheddar cheese stretch and visible steam
That irresistible cheese pull!

Tips

  • Seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks while baking.
  • For extra cheeseburger flavor, mix in finely chopped pickles with the beef.
  • The baking-soda bath foams—use a large pot and lower pieces gently.