Meet your new favorite appetizer, snack, and game-day MVP: Korean Chili Crisp Beef & Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bombs. They’re golden, chewy, spicy, cheesy pockets of pure comfort — filled with savory ground beef and melty cheddar, fired up with Korean chili crisp, and wrapped in soft pretzel dough. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself (no judgment), these bombs deliver on every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything: bold, spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in that classic soft pretzel shell. The Korean chili crisp brings a layered heat — a little smoky, a little crunchy, and totally addictive. Combined with juicy ground beef and gooey cheddar, then finished with a chewy, golden crust and a sprinkle of sesame seeds? It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast. Plus, the shortcut biscuit dough keeps it weeknight-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Korean chili crisp sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 cups water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Korean Chili Crisp: Look for it in the international aisle — brands like Lao Gan Ma or Momofuku Chili Crunch work great.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack adds even more kick.
- Biscuit Dough: Crescent roll dough or pizza dough also work in a pinch.
- Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based meat are easy substitutions.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in the Korean chili crisp sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Dough
Flatten each biscuit into a 3-inch round. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese into the center.
4. Shape into Bombs
Fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching to seal completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
5. Pretzel Bath
In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda (careful—it will bubble up). Boil each stuffed bomb for 1–2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
6. Bake
Brush each bomb with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve
Let cool slightly and serve warm — preferably with a dipping sauce or extra chili crisp on the side!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting, but too much filling makes sealing difficult.
- Chill Before Boiling: If the dough feels soft, refrigerate stuffed bombs for 10 minutes before boiling.
- Use a Slotted Spoon: This makes transferring the boiled bombs super easy.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble bombs and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to a day before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These pretzel bombs are spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying on their own, but here are a few killer pairings:
- Add This Beer Cheese Dip on the side for next-level dipping
- Serve with These Sheet Pan Quesadillas to build out a party spread
- Pair with This Dorito Casserole for a snack-and-supper combo
- Add These Totchos for a loaded game-day board
- Keep This Crockpot Nacho Dip warm on the table to round things out
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to maintain crispness.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked, filled bombs (without the pretzel boil) and cook from frozen — just add a few minutes to bake time.
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
These Korean Chili Crisp Beef & Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Bombs are bold, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to spice up your snack game. With gooey cheese, spicy-savory beef, and a chewy golden crust, they’re a total flavor explosion in every bite.
Try them for your next get-together, movie night, or solo indulgence, and let us know how fast they disappear. For more big, bold bites, keep following along at ChefManiac.
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