Name: Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (455 g) pizza dough, rested at room temperature for 15–20 minutes; 7 slices American cheese, halved; 14 frozen mini meatballs, fully thawed; ¼ cup (45 g) baking soda; 5 cups (1.2 L) water; 1 large egg, beaten; Coarse sea salt, for topping; Yellow mustard, for dipping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s a snack guaranteed to steal the show at your next gathering, it’s Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week. Imagine everything you love about beefy, cheesy sliders and soft, salty pretzels all bundled into a perfectly poppable bite. Every tender package delivers gooey melted cheese, juicy meatball, and the unmistakable chew of homemade pretzel bread—it’s a playful twist you’ll want on repeat. Whether you’re cheering from the couch or just need a pick-me-up snack, these savory morsels are pure comfort, and yes, you’ll find yourself reaching for one after another!

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week is how each ingredient brings a little something special to the party. You don’t need fancy or obscure components—just a handful of classic flavors that combine to make the kind of snack no one can resist.

Pizza dough: The soft, airy foundation that bakes into the ultimate chewy pretzel shell.
American cheese slices: Adds that gooey, unmistakable cheeseburger melt in every bite.
Frozen mini meatballs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly sized for snacking; just be sure they’re fully thawed for easy assembly.
Baking soda: Essential for the pretzel bath—it gives the dough its golden color and iconic pretzel flavor.
Water: Needed for boiling the dough, transforming pizza crust into a proper pretzel.
Large egg: A shiny egg wash delivers that beautiful, bakery-style finish.
Coarse sea salt: Don’t skip this—big flakes of salt bring the signature pretzel punch and crunch.
Yellow mustard (optional): The classic dipping sauce that elevates every bite with tangy zing.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 425°F (220°C)—you’ll want it nice and hot to create that crispy, golden crust. While it preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Not only does this keep the bombs from sticking, but it also ensures cleanup is a total breeze.

Step 2: Divide and Shape the Dough

Take your rested pizza dough and slice it into 14 equal pieces. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect! Roll each piece out into an 8-inch strip—thinner dough makes it easier to wrap around your delicious filling and keeps the flavors in perfect balance.

Step 3: Assemble the Pretzel Bombs

Place a halved slice of American cheese at one end of each strip, then top it with a thawed mini meatball. Gently but firmly roll the dough around the filling, pinching and tucking until you have a tidy, sealed ball. This part is fun—think of each one as a little bundle of anticipation!

Step 4: Prepare the Pretzel Bath

Bring 5 cups of water to a lively boil in a medium saucepan. Now, carefully add the baking soda—that fizz and froth is what will help create the signature pretzel taste and glossy color. Once the bubbles calm down, bring the solution back to a gentle boil to get ready for dunking.

Step 5: Boil the Dough Balls

Working in batches (3 to 5 at a time is perfect), gently lower the assembled dough bombs into your pretzel bath. Let them simmer for 20–30 seconds—just enough for the magic to happen—then scoop them out with a slotted spoon. Let them rest briefly on a paper towel-lined plate to wick away any excess water.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Season

Arrange those lovely dough balls back on your parchment-lined sheet. Brush each with a generous coating of beaten egg—this step gives you that irresistible, shiny crust. Sprinkle each bomb with coarse sea salt so every bite pops with flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the tray on the middle rack for 15–20 minutes, watching for when the bombs turn a deep, glossy brown. The house will smell incredible, and the reward is that moment when you see the cheese bubbling just a bit through the golden shell—perfect Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week!

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Serve up the pretzel bombs while they’re still warm, ideally with a little dish of yellow mustard for dipping. That first bite—the oozy cheese, tender meatball, and salty crust—is everything you love about classic comfort food, packaged in one delightful pop.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week

Garnishes

Sometimes it’s the little extras that make a big impression. Sprinkle on extra sea salt right before serving for extra crunch and a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of cheesy sauce amps up the fun factor—a surefire way to make your Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week irresistible.

Side Dishes

These pretzel bombs are the life of any party platter, but you can easily build a meal around them. A crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or crunchy pickles all complement the rich, cheesy goodness. And for a game-day spread, pair them with fresh veggie sticks, classic potato chips, or a big bowl of coleslaw to round out the feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Bake up a big batch and stack them tall on a rustic wooden board, or skewer a few onto toothpicks for an effortless party snack. For family movie night, pile them high in a breadbasket lined with a checkered napkin. If you want to get extra festive, serve your Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week on a platter surrounded by dipping sauces like spicy ketchup, ranch, or tangy barbecue—everyone loves a customize-your-own snack moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have any leftovers, let the pretzel bombs cool completely before moving them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to separate layers with parchment so the crust stays at its best.

Freezing

For long-term snacking, these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week are perfect for the freezer. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zipper bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and make for the happiest last-minute snack or lunchbox treat.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: place the bombs on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes straight from the fridge, or 12–15 minutes if frozen. For best results, skip the microwave if you can—the oven brings back that coveted chewy pretzel crust. Either way, serve them up warm for maximum melty, cheesy bliss.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re mini-sized and fully cooked before wrapping. Homemade meatballs let you customize flavors and add-ins—think extra spices or chopped pickles for a fun twist on the Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week experience.

Do I have to use American cheese?

While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic diner flavor, feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda if you prefer. Just make sure the slices are thin so they melt easily inside your pretzel bombs.

What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath is the secret behind real pretzel flavor and the glossy, dark crust. It changes the pH of the dough, causing those beautiful Maillard reactions as they bake. Don’t skip it—it’s what sets Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week apart from ordinary stuffed bread rolls!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! Shape the bombs and let them chill, covered, in the fridge for a few hours before boiling and baking. This makes entertaining easy, plus you can even freeze unbaked bombs and finish baking from frozen when guests arrive.

Are Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week kid-friendly?

They’re a total hit with kids! Bite-sized, cheesy, and fun to eat—serve with little bowls of ketchup or ranch and watch them disappear. You can even get the kids involved in rolling and wrapping the dough for extra kitchen fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, there’s no question—Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week are it. Every step is a burst of satisfaction, from rolling out the dough to that first gooey, cheesy bite. Don’t be surprised if these become your go-to recipe for parties, cozy nights in, or game day. Give them a try and experience the kind of homemade magic that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs You’ll Crave All Week Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 14 bombs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are a delightful fusion of cheesy goodness, savory meatballs, and soft pretzel dough. These handheld treats are perfect for snacking or entertaining guests. With a crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and a meatball surprise inside, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 lb (455 g) pizza dough, rested at room temperature for 15–20 minutes

Cheeseburger Bombs:

7 slices American cheese, halved
14 frozen mini meatballs, fully thawed
¼ cup (45 g) baking soda
5 cups (1.2 L) water
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse sea salt, for topping
Yellow mustard, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Divide and Shape the Dough: Cut the pizza dough into 14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch (20 cm) strip — this will be used to wrap the filling.
Assemble the Pretzel Bombs: Place a halved slice of American cheese at one end of each dough strip, then top with a thawed mini meatball. Roll the dough around the filling, rotating and sealing as you go to form a tight, enclosed ball. Pinch the seams to prevent any leakage. Set each assembled bomb on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all are filled and shaped.
Prepare the Pretzel Bath: In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and stir until dissolved (be cautious—it will bubble up). Once dissolved, bring the solution back to a gentle boil.
Boil the Dough Balls: Working in batches of 3–5, gently lower the dough bombs into the boiling water. Let them simmer for 20–30 seconds, turning as needed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each one to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Egg Wash and Season: Return the boiled bombs to the baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to promote a rich golden color during baking. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt for that signature pretzel finish.
Bake to Perfection: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pretzel bombs are golden brown and beautifully crisp on the outside.
Serve and Savor: Serve warm with yellow mustard on the side for dipping, if desired. Each bite delivers the comfort of a classic cheeseburger wrapped in a soft, salty pretzel shell — the perfect party snack or game-day treat!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: American