Cheeseburger Pretzel Balls – Page 2

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Dough

Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go.
Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough starts to form. Once it does, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as you knead.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling

Cook the ground beef: While the dough is rising, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the beef and return it to the pan.
Season the beef: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Add cheese and pickles: Once the beef has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced pickles. The cheese will melt into the beef mixture, creating a gooey, flavorful filling.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Balls

Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising and the filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Divide the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a long log and cut it into about 12-15 pieces. Each piece will become a pretzel ball.
Stuff the dough: Flatten each piece of dough into a small disk and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheeseburger filling into the center. Fold the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching the sides to seal it and form a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzel Balls

Boil the dough: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil. This step is what gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy texture. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop a few pretzel balls into the water at a time. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Pretzel Balls

Egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the pretzel balls. This will give them a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
Bake: Sprinkle the pretzel balls with kosher salt, if desired, and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
Serve: Remove the pretzel balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or even cheese sauce.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pretzel Balls

Don’t overstuff: When adding the filling to the dough, be sure not to overstuff the pretzel balls. A tablespoon of filling per ball should be plenty. Overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or leak while boiling or baking.
Use lean ground beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness without too much fat. If you prefer, you can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Customize the filling: Feel free to mix in bacon crumbles, onions, or mustard with the cheeseburger filling for an added layer of flavor.
Freezing for later: If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the unbaked pretzel balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just boil, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Dipping sauces: These pretzel balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces. Try serving them with classic ketchup and mustard, or get creative with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a creamy cheese dip.

Conclusion: A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

Cheeseburger Pretzel Balls are the ultimate comfort food fusion—crispy, soft, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party, snacking during a movie, or just craving a savory treat, these pretzel balls are sure to impress.

With their chewy pretzel exterior, gooey cheeseburger filling, and the option for customization, these treats are bound to become a crowd favorite. Make a batch today and watch them disappear as quickly as they were made!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start creating these Cheeseburger Pretzel Balls for your next get-together or snack time!

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