Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Sausage Pretzel Bombs, expertly paired with a rich, savory Mustard Cheese Sauce. Forget the dilemma of choosing between a warm, chewy pretzel, zesty mustard, or gooey cheese—this recipe delivers all three in one glorious bite, enhanced by the hearty addition of Italian sausage. Perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner, these pretzel bombs are a sensational culinary experience. Whether you prefer baking them to golden perfection in your oven or crisping them quickly in an air fryer, prepare for a flavor explosion that truly eats like a meal.
These homemade Sausage Pretzel Bombs with Mustard Cheese Sauce are an absolute must-try! Imagine biting into a warm, soft pretzel encasing a savory Italian sausage meatball and melted cheese, all dipped in a creamy, tangy mustard cheese sauce. It’s an experience that transcends a simple appetizer, offering a satisfying and robust flavor profile that can easily anchor a meal when served alongside a fresh salad. We’ve enjoyed them for weekend gatherings, busy weeknight dinners, and countless times for big football games—they are always a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly!
This post is sponsored by Herbal Gatherings Mustard, but the love I feel for their mustards and the opinions here are all my own.
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Introducing Herbal Gatherings Mustard: A Taste of Nebraska
Friends, I’ve eagerly anticipated the moment I could finally share this incredible recipe and introduce you to the exceptional quality of Herbal Gatherings Mustard. For those who know me, you understand my deep affection for companies born and bred right here in Nebraska. Herbal Gatherings stands out as one of those truly special local businesses, embodying the spirit and flavors of our home state.
This isn’t just any mustard; it’s a culinary legacy. The recipe for Herbal Gatherings Mustard has been lovingly passed down through generations, a testament to its enduring appeal and classic taste. Conceived under the bright Nebraska sun, on the fertile lands south of the Platte River, this mustard truly captures the heart of the state in every jar. It’s more than just a condiment; it’s a piece of local heritage, crafted with care and tradition.
And it’s not just us Nebraskans who recognize its exceptional quality. The Herbal Gatherings Original Mustard earned widespread acclaim when it clinched a bronze medal at the prestigious Napa Valley Mustard Festival back in 2000! This national recognition solidifies its place as a top-tier mustard, proving that great flavor knows no geographical bounds.
The Distinctive Flavor of Herbal Gatherings Mustard
What truly sets Herbal Gatherings Mustard apart is its unique and incredibly enticing flavor profile, which is guaranteed to make your mouth water. This is far from your everyday, ordinary yellow mustard. While it shares basic ingredients with classic prepared mustards—distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed, turmeric, paprika, spices, and garlic powder—Herbal Gatherings takes it several steps further. The inclusion of sugar, savory onions, and a hint of jalapeño peppers infuses it with an extraordinary depth and complexity, creating a flavor dimension entirely its own.
Unlike watery condiments, this mustard boasts a thick, robust texture, often revealing visible chunks of peppers and onions throughout. This provides a satisfying mouthfeel and adds to its artisanal charm. I personally find it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It’s available in both Original and Hot varieties. As someone who appreciates a good kick, I absolutely adore the Hot version. My husband, however, finds the Original to be plenty spicy—a common difference in heat preference after so many wonderful years together!
The Inspiration: Why Pretzels and Mustard are a Match Made in Heaven
When I discussed recipe ideas with James, one of the owners of Herbal Gatherings, for an upcoming big game, we almost simultaneously exclaimed, “Pretzel!” It just made perfect sense—what culinary pairing is more iconic and satisfying than mustard with pretzels? The soft, salty chew of a pretzel is the ideal canvas for mustard’s tangy, complex notes, creating a harmony of flavors and textures.
While Herbal Gatherings Mustard is undeniably phenomenal on grilling favorites like brats, burgers, and hot dogs (it truly knocks these staples out of the park!), its versatility extends far beyond the grill. Think broader: this mustard can revolutionize your potato salad, elevate deviled eggs, add a zing to vinaigrette dressings, or even inject new life into a humble pot of chili. Its unique sweet and spicy profile makes it an incredibly dynamic ingredient in a wide array of dishes.
In fact, we often find ourselves just dipping chips, crackers, and pretzel twists straight from the bag into a jar of Herbal Gatherings Mustard. Yes, it’s *that* good and utterly addictive!
The “Aha!” Moment: Building the Ultimate Pretzel Bomb
But simply dipping wasn’t enough for this recipe. You see, as much as I adore mustard with pretzels, I have an equal, unwavering love for cheese. This sparked an idea: “Self? What if I created a luxurious mustard cheese sauce for dipping these pretzel bombs?” And as I mused, another, even bolder question arose: “What if I enclosed a succulent Italian sausage meatball and melty cheese *inside* the pretzel ball itself?” The answer, clear as day, was a resounding, enthusiastic “YES!” And thus, the Sausage Pretzel Bomb with Mustard Cheese Sauce was born, a culinary masterpiece designed for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Don’t forget to pin this incredible recipe to your favorite tailgating recipes Pinterest board, so you can easily find it for your next gathering!
Beyond these pretzel bombs, Herbal Gatherings Mustards make beautiful and incredibly flavorful additions to any charcuterie board. Their robust flavor profile cuts through rich cheeses and cured meats, offering a delightful counterpoint. They would also be absolutely delicious paired with these other fantastic recipes from An Affair from the Heart:
- Fuggedaboutit Pork Roast: A dollop of mustard adds a tangy kick.
- Bloody Mary Burger: The “Hot” mustard would perfectly complement the spicy burger.
- Smoked Salmon: A spread of mustard on crackers with smoked salmon is exquisite.
- Kraut Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Brats: A classic pairing that gets an upgrade with Herbal Gatherings.
- Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders: These tenders would be incredible dipped in the mustard, or even with the mustard incorporated into a marinade.
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Sausage Pretzel Bombs with Mustard Cheese Sauce
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to creating these phenomenal pretzel bombs. You’ll find that many are kitchen staples, with the star, Herbal Gatherings Mustard, ready to transform the flavor. Below is a comprehensive list, and the full printable recipe with precise measurements can be found at the bottom of this post.
- Frozen dinner rolls (these simplify the pretzel dough process!)
- Italian sausage (choose mild for a balanced flavor or spicy for an extra kick)
- Herbal Gatherings Original Mustard (essential for that signature tangy, sweet, and savory depth)
- Cracker crumbs (for binding the meatballs and adding texture)
- Cheese (cheddar or cheddar Jack work beautifully for their meltiness and flavor)
- Baking soda (crucial for that authentic pretzel-like crust and color)
- Butter (the base for our luxurious cheese sauce)
- Flour (to create a roux for a perfectly thickened sauce)
- Milk (for a creamy, smooth cheese sauce)
You will find the complete printable recipe with detailed instructions and exact measurements at the bottom of this post, ready to guide you through every step.
Crafting Your Sausage Pretzel Bombs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into the creation of these delectable pretzel bombs! The process is surprisingly straightforward, yielding impressive results.
**Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture.** Begin by combining your ground Italian sausage with cracker crumbs, a generous spoonful of Herbal Gatherings Original Mustard, and small cubes of cheddar or cheddar Jack cheese in a mixing bowl. This blend ensures a flavorful, moist meatball with a cheesy surprise inside.
**Step 2: Form and Pre-cook Meatballs.** To ensure uniform size and even cooking, I highly recommend using a small cookie dough scoop to portion out the meatballs. This makes the assembly process much smoother. Since the pretzel bombs don’t bake long enough to fully cook the sausage, a quick pre-cook in a skillet is essential. This step also helps render some of the fat, preventing a greasy final product. After browning on all sides, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
**Step 3: Prepare the Pretzel Dough.** Once your frozen bread dough rolls have completely thawed, cut each one in half. Roll or press each half into a flat, roughly circular shape. These will be the casings for your delicious meatballs.
**Step 4: Assemble the Pretzel Bombs.** Place one pre-cooked meatball in the center of each flattened dough circle. Carefully stretch the dough around the meatball, pinching the edges firmly to seal it completely. You want to ensure there are no openings for the cheese to escape during baking. At this point, you’ll also prepare your baking soda bath: bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and dissolve the baking soda in it. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic chewy pretzel texture and golden-brown crust.
**Step 5: The Baking Soda Bath.** Gently drop 3-4 assembled pretzel bombs into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. This brief bath gelatinizes the dough’s surface, contributing to the distinct pretzel texture and promoting a beautiful brown color during baking. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them onto a well-greased cookie sheet. Make sure your cookie sheet is generously greased, otherwise, they will stick!
**Step 6: Egg Wash and Salt.** Whisk one egg with two tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush each pretzel bomb with this wash—it helps create a beautiful sheen and allows the salt to adhere. Then, generously sprinkle them with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt for that classic pretzel finish.
**Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection.** Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Bake the pretzel bombs for approximately 10 minutes, or until they achieve a gorgeous, golden-brown hue. If using an air fryer, cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 7 minutes. Always remember that cooking times can vary depending on your appliance, so keep a watchful eye to prevent over-browning.
**Step 8: Resist the Urge!** Once baked, try your absolute best to resist the temptation to pop one into your mouth straight from the hot cookie sheet. Trust me on this—they are incredibly hot, and while irresistible, a moment of patience will save your taste buds!
The Perfect Pairing: Mustard Cheese Sauce & Serving Suggestions
While your pretzel bombs are baking, prepare the rich and creamy Mustard Cheese Sauce. This sauce is incredibly easy to make and ties all the flavors together beautifully. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Finally, whisk in the Herbal Gatherings Mustard and shredded Cheddar Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and luxurious. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Serve these magnificent Sausage Pretzel Bombs piping hot from the oven or air fryer, alongside a generous bowl of your homemade Mustard Cheese Sauce. The velvety sauce provides a perfect complement to the savory sausage and chewy pretzel. For an even more intense mustard experience, offer an additional bowl of either the Original or Hot Herbal Gatherings Mustard for dipping. Guests will love having both options!
^Love this recipe? Pin it for later!^
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily reference it for future game days, parties, or family meals.
Where to Find Herbal Gatherings Mustard
Ready to experience the award-winning flavor of Herbal Gatherings Mustard for yourself? If you reside in Nebraska or in parts of Iowa, Colorado, or even the Chicago area, you can likely find Herbal Gatherings Mustard at your local HyVee, Whole Foods, or Natural Grocers. For those outside these regions, or simply for the convenience of home delivery, you can easily order their fantastic mustards online. Visit the official Herbal Gatherings Website or browse their selection on Buy Nebraska to have their delicious products shipped directly to your door.
Stay connected with Herbal Gatherings for product updates, new recipes, and more! Follow them on both Instagram and Facebook to be part of their vibrant community all year long.
These Sausage Pretzel Bombs with Mustard Cheese Sauce are calling your name—it’s time to get cooking and savor every delicious bite! 
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Print Recipe
Sausage Pretzel Bombs with Mustard Cheese Sauce
Equipment
- Herbal Gatherings Mustards
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
- Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
For the Sausage Pretzel Bombs
- 12 frozen bread dough dinner rolls thawed
- 1 pound ground Italian Sausage spicy or mild, your choice
- 1 Tablespoon Herbal Gatherings Original Mustard
- 1/3 cup cubed cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons cracker crumbs
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups boiling water
- 1 egg + 2 Tablespoons water to make an egg wash
- Pretzel Salt or coarse sea salt
For the Mustard Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 Tablespoons Herbal Gatherings Mustard
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Thaw frozen dinner rolls in a warm place until soft and pliable. Cut each thawed roll in half.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage (spicy or mild), cracker crumbs, 1 Tablespoon of Herbal Gatherings Original Mustard, and cubed cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 24 small, uniform meatballs. (Hint: Dividing the mixture in half repeatedly can help achieve equal sizing.)
- Place the formed meatballs in a hot skillet and brown on all sides. Cover with a lid during cooking to help them cook through. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
- In a large pot on the stove, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully stir in the 2/3 cup of baking soda until dissolved. This will be your pretzel bath.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230°C). Generously grease a 13×18 inch half sheet pan with Crisco shortening or another reliable non-stick cooking spray. (A well-greased pan is crucial to prevent sticking!)
- Take each half-piece of bread dough and flatten it into a small, even circle. Place one pre-cooked meatball in the center of the dough circle. Carefully wrap the dough around the meatball, bringing the edges together and pinching firmly to completely seal it. Ensure there are no gaps for filling to escape.
- Working in batches of about 3 or 4, gently drop the sealed dough balls into the boiling baking soda bath for precisely 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove them and place them onto the prepared greased cookie sheet, leaving some space between each bomb.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 2 Tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush each pretzel bomb generously with the egg wash. Immediately sprinkle them with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt for that classic pretzel finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pretzels are beautifully golden brown. If using an air fryer, cook for 7 minutes at 400 degrees F (200°C). Please note that oven and air fryer cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- While the pretzel bombs are baking, prepare the Mustard Cheese Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce begins to thicken, which should only take a couple of minutes. Finally, whisk in the 2 Tablespoons of Herbal Gatherings Mustard and the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If desired, top with freshly chopped chives before serving for added flavor and color.
- Serve the pretzel bombs immediately, hot from the oven, with the warm Mustard Cheese Sauce and an additional bowl of Herbal Gatherings Mustard (Original or Hot) for dipping.
Notes
For easy entertaining, prepare them ahead of time and simply bake them when you’re ready to serve and enjoy.