🔥 Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs
🧀 Ingredients
For the Filling:
-
1 cup chopped smoked brisket (leftovers work great)
-
1 cup beer cheese (recipe below or use store-bought)
-
Optional: finely diced jalapeños or caramelized onions for added flavor
For the Pretzel Dough:
-
1 ½ cups warm water (110–115°F)
-
1 tbsp granulated sugar
-
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
-
4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp salt
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Pretzel Bath:
-
10 cups water
-
2/3 cup baking soda
Topping:
-
1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
-
Coarse sea salt
🧀 Beer Cheese (Quick Version)
-
2 tbsp butter
-
2 tbsp flour
-
¾ cup milk
-
½ cup beer (lager or ale)
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and beer. Stir in mustard and garlic powder. Simmer until thick, then stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Let cool before using.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Pretzel Dough:
-
In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 mins until foamy.
-
Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (5–7 mins).
-
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prep the Filling:
-
Combine chopped brisket with cooled beer cheese in a bowl.
-
Refrigerate for 15–20 mins so it firms up, making it easier to stuff.
3. Assemble Pretzel Bombs:
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
-
Punch down dough and divide into 16 equal pieces.
-
Flatten each piece into a 3–4” circle. Spoon 1 tbsp of brisket beer cheese filling into center.
-
Pinch edges closed tightly and roll into a ball.
-
Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Pretzel Bath:
-
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water + baking soda to a boil.
-
Gently drop each dough ball in for 30 seconds, remove with slotted spoon, and place on baking sheet.
5. Bake:
-
Brush each bomb with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
-
Bake 12–15 mins or until deep golden brown.
6. Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Great with extra beer cheese for dipping!