Description
Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs are a delicious and addictive appetizer featuring tender, smoky shredded brisket wrapped in soft, golden pretzel dough filled with creamy beer cheese sauce. Perfect for game day or any party, these bite-sized treats offer a harmonious blend of bold smoky flavors, tangy cheese, and a satisfyingly crispy pretzel exterior that will impress your guests and satisfy your snack cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup smoked brisket, shredded
- 1/2 cup beer cheese sauce (see below)
Beer Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (lager, amber ale, or mild pale ale recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
Pretzel Dough
- 1 batch pretzel dough (homemade or store-bought), enough to cut into approximately 12-15 pieces
For Boiling Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Optional: minced garlic for butter brush
Instructions
- Prepare the Beer Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add your favorite beer, stirring constantly until smooth. Slowly whisk in shredded sharp cheddar and cream cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded smoked brisket with the warm beer cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat the meat evenly. Let the mixture cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare the Pretzel Dough: Roll out the pretzel dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into even squares or circles large enough to hold about two tablespoons of filling each.
- Fill and Seal the Bombs: Place a spoonful of brisket and beer cheese mixture in the center of each dough piece. Pinch and fold the edges tightly to seal completely, shaping each into a round ball to encase the filling securely.
- Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each pretzel bomb into the boiling bath for 30 seconds to develop the characteristic pretzel crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Brush each pretzel bomb with melted butter (optionally mixed with minced garlic) and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- Use well-smoked brisket with a good bark and smoky aroma for best flavor.
- Do not overfill the pretzel dough pockets to avoid leakage during boiling and baking.
- Boil for exactly 30 seconds for a shiny, crispy crust without sogginess.
- Brushing with butter enhances flavor and helps the coarse salt adhere to the crust.
- Serve warm to enjoy gooey cheese and perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bomb
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: smoked brisket, beer cheese, pretzel bombs, game day snack, appetizer, party food, cheesy snack
