These Pretzel Bombs are soft, buttery mini pretzels filled with rich, smoky shredded brisket and creamy beer cheese dip. With a golden pretzel crust, coarse salt topping, and melty center—they’re the ultimate handheld appetizer or game day snack.
A must-make for BBQ lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥩 BBQ Inside Out: Smoked brisket wrapped in warm pretzel dough—what’s not to love?
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Beer cheese gives every bite that tangy, dreamy finish.
- 🥣 No Dough from Scratch: Uses convenient canned biscuit dough—perfect for quick assembly.
- 🍺 Beer Bath Magic: The baking soda bath mimics real pretzel boiling process for authentic flavor.
- ⏱️ Great for Parties: Perfect as an appetizer, tailgate favorite, or holiday bites.
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 pretzel bombs):
For the Filling:
- 1 lb smoked brisket , shredded (or pulled beef)
- 1 cup beer cheese dip (store-bought or homemade – see tip below)
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8–10 biscuits inside)
For the Pretzel Bath:
- 2 cups warm water
- ¼ cup baking soda (not baking powder – essential for pretzel effect)
For Finishing:
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Shredded smoked brisket
- Beer cheese dip
Mix well until fully incorporated.
Add a splash of BBQ sauce or beer if the brisket is dry or you want extra moisture.
Set aside while preparing the dough.
Step 3: Roll Out Biscuits
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each biscuit into a 4–5-inch round using a rolling pin.
Tip: Work with one biscuit at a time—keep the rest chilled until ready to use.
Step 4: Fill & Seal Each Pretzel Bomb
Place about 1 heaping tbsp of brisket-beer cheese mixture in the center of each rolled-out biscuit circle.
Fold the edges up and over the filling, then pinch together to seal.
Roll between your palms to form a smooth ball.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Prepare Pretzel Bath
In a medium bowl, dissolve:
- Baking soda in warm water
Use a whisk to help it fully mix.
This solution gives the signature pretzel color and chewy crust .
Step 6: Dip & Salt
Dip each dough ball into the baking soda bath , letting excess drip off.
Return to the baking sheet seam-side down .
Sprinkle generously with coarse salt while still wet from the bath.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes , or until deep golden brown and fragrant.
The aroma will tell you they’re almost done!
Step 8: Brush with Butter for Shine
Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for that glossy, salty pretzel finish.
Let cool slightly before serving so they firm up just a bit.
Step 9: Serve Warm & Cheesy
Serve warm with side bowls of:
- Extra beer cheese dip
- BBQ sauce for dipping
- Or enjoy straight from the tray—it’s all good!
✅ Tips for Success:
- 🍞 Best Brisket Option: Use tender, juicy leftover brisket for best flavor and texture.
- 🧀 Homemade Beer Cheese Option: Mix melted cheddar, beer, garlic powder, and a touch of mustard in a saucepan until thickened.
- 🔪 Seal Well: If the dough cracks, press gently with fingers to close before baking.
- 🧂 Salt Matters: Coarse salt adds crunch and classic pretzel flair—don’t skip it!
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked bombs after sealing, then bake directly from freezer—add 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal for game day spreads, family dinners, or backyard parties.
- Great with a cold glass of beer or sweet tea.
- Perfect alongside coleslaw, pickles, or mac & cheese.
Nutritional Information (per bomb, makes 10 servings – approximate):
(With regular biscuit dough and store-bought beer cheese)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
These Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs bring the best of two worlds together—savory barbecue and gooey, cheesy pretzel perfection. With their crispy, golden crust and molten meat-cheese center—they’re impossible to resist.
So go ahead and make these today… because once you taste them—you’ll be making them again and again!
