Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain excess fat.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in ketchup and mustard if using. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Tip: Letting the filling cool prevents the dough from tearing when assembling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into equal portions (about golf-ball size). Flatten each piece into a small circle using your fingers or a rolling pin.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Bombs
Place 1 tablespoon of cooked beef in the center of each dough circle. Add a cube of cheddar cheese on top.
Carefully pull the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Roll gently into a ball.
Make sure seams are fully sealed to prevent cheese leaks.
Step 4: Pretzel Bath
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add baking soda (it will bubble).
Drop each dough ball into the baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
This step gives the dough its classic pretzel flavor and chewy texture.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Season
Brush each bomb with beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or your favorite seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until deep golden brown and puffed.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving—the filling will be hot.
Serving Suggestions
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
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Ketchup, mustard, or mayo
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Burger sauce or special sauce
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Honey mustard
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BBQ sauce
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Cheese sauce for extra indulgence
Pair them with fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pretzel Bombs
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Use block cheese, not shredded – cubes melt better and leak less
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Don’t skip the baking soda bath – it’s key for authentic pretzel flavor
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Seal tightly – pinch seams firmly to keep cheese inside
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Cool filling before stuffing – warm filling weakens dough
Variations You’ll Love
Bacon Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture.
Jalapeño Cheeseburger Bombs
Mix diced jalapeños into the beef or use pepper jack cheese.
Pizza Pretzel Bombs
Swap beef for pepperoni and mozzarella, and serve with marinara.
Chicken Cheeseburger Bombs
Use seasoned ground chicken instead of beef.
Mini Sliders Style
Add a tiny pickle slice inside each bomb for authentic burger flavor.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
Make Ahead
Assemble the bombs, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing (Unbaked)
Freeze assembled, unbaked bombs on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which softens the pretzel crust.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Freezer: Up to 2 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pretzel dough?
Absolutely. Homemade dough gives even better texture if you have time.
Can I air fry these?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Are these kid-friendly?
Very! Just skip spicy ingredients and use mild cheese.
Why This Recipe Works for SEO & Home Cooks
Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs check all the boxes for viral comfort food:
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Simple ingredients
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Eye-catching presentation
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Customizable flavors
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Perfect for parties and holidays
They’re searchable, shareable, and endlessly crave-worthy—exactly the kind of recipe readers save, pin, and make again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs deserve a spot on your table. Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with nostalgic burger flavor, they’re the ultimate comfort snack.
Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a repeat favorite for game days, potlucks, family nights, and everything in between.
