The Best of Wisconsin Flavors: Make These Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs for Your Next Party!

Photo byNaomi Madison

Wisconsin, known for its love of cheese and hearty meals, has long been a state that takes pride in its rich culinary traditions. From its famous cheese curds to bratwursts, Wisconsin's food culture is all about creating dishes that bring warmth, comfort, and, of course, a generous helping of cheese. So what better way to embrace Wisconsin’s love for all things cheesy than by whipping up a batch of Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs?

These delightful little bites bring together two of America’s favorites: cheeseburgers and pretzels, and they're packed with a Wisconsin twist! Whether you're hosting a game day party, need a fun appetizer for a gathering, or simply want to indulge in something delicious, these Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the answer.

They combine the soft, salty exterior of a pretzel with the gooey, melty goodness of cheese and juicy mini meatballs. The end result? A savory, cheesy, and slightly crispy snack that’s hard to resist.

The Wisconsin Touch

This recipe makes use of American cheese, but you can elevate it with Wisconsin’s wide range of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Colby Jack, for an even more authentic experience. Imagine the smell of freshly baked pretzel bombs filling your kitchen, each bite oozing with rich, melted cheese, perfectly balanced by the slight chew of the pretzel dough.

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food experience with a touch of Wisconsin flair, this recipe will hit the mark.

Recipe: Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough, left out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
• 7 slices American cheese, cut in half (or substitute with Wisconsin cheddar)
• 14 frozen mini meatballs, thawed
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 5 cups water
• 1 egg, beaten
• Coarse sea salt
• Yellow mustard, for serving (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough: Cut the pizza dough into 14 evenly sized pieces. Working one at a time, stretch out a piece of dough into a long strip, about 8 inches (20 cm) long.
3. Assemble the bombs: Place a piece of cheese at the top of the dough strip, followed by a mini meatball. Roll up the dough around the cheese and meatball, rotating halfway through to ensure the dough fully encloses the filling. Pull tightly and pinch the dough to seal the edges. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough, cheese, and meatballs.
4. Boil the dough balls: In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and stir to dissolve. Return the pot to a boil. In batches of 3-5 at a time, boil the dough balls for 20-30 seconds, stirring gently. Remove and dab with paper towels before placing back on the baking sheet.
5. Prepare for baking: Brush each boiled dough ball with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pretzel bombs are golden brown.
7. Serve: Enjoy warm, with yellow mustard on the side for dipping if desired.

The Perfect Game Day Snack

Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs are the ideal addition to your game day spread or any occasion where good food is needed. The pretzel dough gives these bombs a wonderful chewiness, while the melted cheese and meatball filling offer a savory surprise in every bite. Serve them with a side of mustard for an extra punch of flavor, and you’ve got yourself a winning appetizer.

Wisconsin’s love for cheese shines through in this dish, and it's a perfect representation of the state’s culinary identity. Whether you're from Wisconsin or just a cheese lover at heart, these pretzel bombs will hit the spot!

Here are some relevant sources you can explore for your Cheeseburger Pretzel Bombs recipe and other Wisconsin-themed dishes:

1. Wisconsin Cheese Recipes: This site is a great hub for all things cheese, particularly when it comes to game day recipes. You can find everything from cheesy dips to creative twists on pretzels and sliders, perfect for a tailgate or gathering. Check out the variety of pretzel-based recipes they offer, like soft parmesan pretzels paired with warm beer cheese dip​(Wisconsin Cheese)​(Wisconsin Cheese).
2. Food52's Wisconsin Cheese Recipes: For a detailed recipe on soft parmesan pretzels and beer-cheese dip, which can be a fantastic companion to your cheeseburger pretzel bombs, Food52 provides an easy-to-follow recipe that features Wisconsin's renowned cheeses like Stella® Parmesan​(Food52).
3. Ultimate Tailgate Cheese Boards: For ideas on creating a delicious tailgate spread, complete with cheeses like sharp cheddar, smoked string cheese, and pretzel pairings, the Wisconsin Cheese Board website is full of inspiration for pairing your pretzel bombs with an impressive array of cheese options​(Wisconsin Cheese)​(Wisconsin Cheese).

These sources will not only help you create your cheeseburger pretzel bombs but also offer complementary ideas for your next gathering with Wisconsin-inspired cheesy dishes!