Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs

Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs combine melt-in-your-mouth smoked meat, gooey beer cheese, and soft homemade pretzel dough all baked into a golden, snack-sized bomb. Perfect for game day, parties, or when you want to impress.

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🧨 Smoked Brisket & Beer Cheese Pretzel Bombs

🔥 Step 1: Smoked Brisket (Quick Overview or Use Leftovers)

Use about 1½–2 cups chopped or shredded smoked brisket — leftovers work great!

If you’re smoking fresh brisket:

• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

• Smoke at 225°F (107°C) for 8–10 hours until tender.

• Let rest, then chop or shred finely.

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🍺 Step 2: Beer Cheese Filling

🧀 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ cup beer (lager or ale)

• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar

• ¼ cup cream cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux (1 min).

2. Slowly add beer, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.

3. Add cheeses, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir until smooth, then let cool until thick and scoopable.

5. Mix in chopped smoked brisket.

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🥨 Step 3: Pretzel Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 mins until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (5–6 mins).

3. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).

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⚒️ Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Pretzel Bath:

• 4 cups water

• ¼ cup baking soda

Topping:

• Coarse salt

• Optional: melted butter or beer cheese for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough into 12–14 pieces.

3. Flatten each piece into a disc. Add a spoonful of brisket beer cheese mix.

4. Pinch edges to seal and form a smooth ball.

5. Boil each bomb in baking soda bath for 20 seconds, then place on tray.

6. Sprinkle with coarse salt.

7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until deep golden brown.

8. Brush with melted butter if desired. Serve hot with extra beer cheese for dipping.

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🍻 Pro Tips:

• Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.

• Leftover brisket tip: Warm it briefly before mixing into cheese so it blends well.

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before boiling/baking, or freeze unbaked bombs.