Imagine biting into a golden-brown, perfectly crispy pretzel bomb that oozes with melted Gouda and spicy chorizo, then dipping it into a luxurious bourbon-infused honey mustard sauce. These aren't just appetizers; they're flavor grenades that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're hosting a game night, looking for the ultimate party snack, or simply craving something incredibly delicious, these Gouda and Chorizo Pretzel Bombs are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 pretzel bombs
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces gouda cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces chorizo, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine 8 ounces of cubed Gouda cheese and 4 ounces of cooked and crumbled chorizo. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Take one piece of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of the Gouda and chorizo filling in the center of the dough. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal it tightly, forming a ball. Repeat this process for the remaining pieces of dough.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. This will create a baking soda bath for the pretzel bombs.
- Carefully drop 2-3 pretzel bombs at a time into the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the pretzel bombs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- While the pretzel bombs are baking, prepare the Bourbon Honey Mustard Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of bourbon until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to taste if necessary.
- Once the pretzel bombs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the warm pretzel bombs with the Bourbon Honey Mustard Sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is around 110°F when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Knead with Confidence: Don't be afraid to really work the dough. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your pretzel bombs that perfect chewy texture.
- Seal Carefully: When stuffing the bombs, make sure to pinch the edges tightly to prevent the cheese and chorizo from leaking during baking.
- Baking Soda Bath is Key: The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature golden-brown color and distinctive flavor. Don't skip this step!
- Let Them Rest: Allow the pretzel bombs to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth and to let the cheese set a bit.
- Sauce Customization: Feel free to adjust the bourbon honey mustard sauce to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or more bourbon for a kick.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble just before baking for easier entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
