Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs are golden, chewy pretzel bites stuffed with tender smoked brisket and creamy beer cheese. Each one is boiled in a baking soda bath for that signature pretzel crust, then baked until puffed and golden. Whether you’re hosting game night, a backyard BBQ, or just craving something cozy and cheesy, these bombs deliver serious flavor in every bite. Bonus: they’re surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded smoked brisket (leftover or store-bought)
- 1 cup beer cheese dip (homemade or store-bought)
For the Dough:
- 1 batch homemade pretzel dough (or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough for shortcut)
- ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- ¼ cup melted butter, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
- If using homemade pretzel dough, prepare it and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- If using biscuit dough, separate the biscuits and flatten each into a 3-inch circle.
2. Assemble the Bombs
- Place a spoonful of shredded brisket and a dollop of beer cheese in the center of each dough circle.
- Carefully fold the dough around the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
- Roll gently into a ball shape and set aside seam-side down.
3. Boil in Baking Soda Bath
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Working in batches, gently drop each pretzel bomb into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the Bombs
- Brush each bomb with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven and brush with melted butter for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
5. Serve
- Serve warm with extra beer cheese, mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a game-day appetizer or party snack.
- Pair with a cold beer or sparkling lemonade.
- Add to a charcuterie board for a fun, savory twist.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Use pulled pork: Swap brisket for pulled pork and cheddar for a BBQ-inspired version.
- Vegetarian option: Use sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and spinach with beer cheese.
- Freeze ahead: Assemble and freeze unbaked bombs. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs are the ultimate comfort food mashup—chewy, cheesy, smoky, and totally addictive. Want a version with bacon or a sweet-and-savory twist using maple glaze? I’d love to help you create it!