These cheeseburger bao buns are an easy snack that look and taste just like the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods available at Disney Animal Kingdom’s Satu’li Canteen! They quickly come together using pre-made biscuit dough with a delicious cheeseburger filling and are steamed quickly in your Instant Pot.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Disney's Cheeseburger Pods

If you're craving a taste of Disney magic at home, you’ll love making these Disney Cheeseburger Pods! Inspired by the popular snack from Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom, these fluffy, steamed buns are stuffed with a savory cheeseburger filling that combines juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of pickle for that classic burger flavor.

They’re super fun to make, kid-friendly, and the perfect way to bring a little Disney magic to your kitchen. Whether you're a Disney fan or just love trying new, unique recipes, these tasty pods are sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Where to Find Cheeseburger Pods at Disney World

On my last trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom, I stumbled upon a delicious hidden gem I have to tell you about. Right in the heart of Pandora at Satu'li Canteen, I tried the famous Cheeseburger Pods, and they totally lived up to the hype.

The whole vibe of the place, surrounded by the amazing Pandora scenery, made digging into these tasty, steamed cheeseburger buns even more special. It’s an experience Disney foodies won't want to miss!

So, on your next visit to Walt Disney World, make sure to take a journey to Pandora and treat yourself to this flavorful adventure at Satu'li Canteen.

Copycat Disney Cheeseburger Pods

These make-at-home cheeseburger pods are a lot smaller than the bao buns you can purchase at Disney World, but they are just as delicious! I used my Instant Pot to quickly steam the dough, but you can definitely steam them on the stovetop, if you prefer.

Cheeseburger Pod Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The perfect, easy-to-use base that crisps beautifully to encase the juicy filling, mimicking the texture of those bao buns at Disney World.
• Ground Beef: The star of the show, bringing in the hearty, meaty essence of a true cheeseburger.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It's not a cheeseburger without the cheese! This melts into the beef, creating that iconic, gooey cheese pull we all crave.
• Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments bring the unmistakable cheeseburger flavor to the mix, adding a touch of tanginess and sweetness.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Adds a bit of crunch and zest, elevating the flavors to match those you’d find in a classic Disney cheeseburger pod.

How to Make Copycat Cheeseburger Steamed Pods (Bao Buns)

[Step 1] Brown the ground beef in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When thoroughly cooked, add the ketchup, mustard, relish, brown sugar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper and mix together. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture and stir until the cheese is fully melted. Set aside.

[Step 2] Remove the biscuit dough from the cans and use a rolling pin to flatten each circle. Add 1 tablespoon of the cheeseburger mixture to the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough up over the meat and pinch the top. (Watch the video below to see how to do this). Don’t worry about making them look pretty, just make sure the top is completely closed.

[Step 3] Add parchment paper to the bottom of a steamer basket insert for an Instant Pot and place the pods inside.

[Step 4] Fill the bottom of your Instant Pot with 1 cup of water and place the steamer basket inside. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to seal. Push the Pressure Cook button and the buns for 4 minutes.

[Step 5] Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the valve and remove the lid. Serve your Disney Cheeseburger Pods with your favorite side dish!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Steamer Basket
• Stove Top Steamer Basket
• Parchment Paper Sheets

Tips for Making Cheeseburger Pods at Home

• Use standard refrigerated biscuits, not flaky or Grands.
• Make sure to put parchment paper under the pods in the steamer basket or the dough will stick to the basket.
• These homemade pods are smaller than the pods at Disney World.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover cheeseburger pods, let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or steam them for a few minutes until they're warmed through. Steaming helps keep that soft, pillowy texture intact!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of cheese other than cheddar for the cheeseburger pods? Absolutely, you can. While shredded cheddar cheese brings that classic cheeseburger taste, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Mozzarella or Pepper Jack could add an exciting twist to your cheeseburger steamed pods.
• What if I don't have an Instant Pot for steaming the bao buns? No worries at all! You can easily steam your cheeseburger bao buns on the stovetop. Just use a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. It might take a bit longer, but the results will be just as delicious!
• How can I make the cheeseburger pods even more like the ones at Disney? For that authentic Disney cheeseburger pods experience, consider adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to your ground beef mixture. It's all about capturing those nostalgic flavors from your Disney World vacation or your dining at Disney parks Disney.

Other Disney Recipes to Check Out:

• Disneyland's Cheesy Enchilada Soup
• Toy Story Land Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Epcot's Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Disney's Churro Bites
• Easy Mickey Beignets

Going To Disney World? Available Hotels In The Area

Discount Disney World Tickets & Vacation Packages

Before we get started, I wanted to let you know where and how I get discount tickets to Walt Disney World. My travel partner, Get Away Today, offers amazing Disney World vacation packages as well as discounted tickets.

And, they have the most amazing concierge service that will help you plan, book, and make dining reservations, all at no charge to you! You can check Disney World ticket and package prices here and use coupon code: Clubhouse10, or call 855-GET-AWAY and tell them that Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!

Watch the video here:

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