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Copycat Disney Cheeseburger Pods

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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.

A hand holding a cheeseburger bao bun in front of a red Mickey Mouse silhouette

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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.

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

Imagine bringing a piece of Walt Disney World into your kitchen with an easy, delicious recipe for Disney’s Cheeseburger Pods. This magical treat, straight from Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, combines familiar, delectable flavors in a fun, new form that both the young and the young at heart will fall in love with.

What sets this apart is not just the Disney-inspired aspect, but the sheer ease of creating these cheeseburger steamed pods right from the comfort of your home. It won’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this recipe simplifies the magic without compromising on taste.

It’s a perfect way to sprinkle a little Disney magic into your home cooking, making every bite a nostalgic trip back to Disney Parks. So, let’s get cooking and turn your dining area into a Disney resort with these irresistible cheeseburger pods!

A tree from Pandora World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Pandora World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Where to Find Cheeseburger Pods at Disney World

On my last visit to Walt Disney World, amidst the excitement and magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I discovered a delightful culinary gem that I simply must share with you. Nestled in the heart of Pandora-The World of Avatar, Satu’li Canteen offers an experience unlike any other within the theme park.

Here, you can indulge in the iconic Cheeseburger Pods, a treat that has captured the hearts of Disney foodies. The ambiance of this eatery, set amidst the stunning backdrop of Pandora’s otherworldly landscape, enhances the dining experience, making each bite of these cheeseburger steamed pods feel like a part of the land’s narrative.

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.

Cheeseburger Steamed Pods on a tray from Satu'li Canteen at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Cheeseburger Pods from Satu’li Canteen
Cheeseburger pods on a white plate with a red Mickey Mouse cookie cutter and a Mickey kitchen towel.

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.

Someone holding a copycat Disney cheeseburger pod with a red Mickey head and a Mickey Mouse kitchen towel.

Cheeseburger Pod Ingredients

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

Gathering the ingredients for these magical Cheeseburger Pods will transport a taste of Disney right into your kitchen. The simplicity of using everyday items morphs into an extraordinary snack that reminds us of those whimsical days at Walt Disney World. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 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.

Feel free to get creative with your fillings too. Staying true to the classic flavor while adding your own twist can make this Disney-inspired treat even more special. Just imagine the possibilities!

Ingredients to make Disney's Cheeseburger Pods at home.

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.

Ground beef mixed with ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

[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 one showing a flattened biscuit, step two with meat in the middle, and step three the dough folded into a bao bun.

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

Homemade cheeseburger pods on parchment paper in an Instant Pot steamer basket.

[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.

An Instant Pot set to pressure cook 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!

Steamed Cheeseburger Pods in a steamer basket.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

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.
Copycat Disney Cheeseburger Pods on a white plate.

How to Store Leftovers

After you’ve delighted in the enchantment of preparing these magical cheeseburger pods reminiscent of the whimsical treats from Walt Disney World, the question arises – what to do with leftovers? Fear not, for I have you covered. To preserve the essence of this theme park-inspired delight, proper storage is key. Refrigerate the leftovers by placing them in an airtight container; they’ll stay delightful for up to three days.

Thinking longer term? Freeze them! Wrapped tightly, these cheeseburger pods can last for a month in the freezer, ensuring a taste of Disney magic is always within reach. When it’s time to rekindle that Disney park excitement, simply reheat them in the oven until they’re warm and the cheese is gooey. This way, you can extend the Disney enchantment right from your kitchen.

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.

A can of refrigerated biscuit dough.

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up this magical journey through the flavors of Walt Disney World, it’s hard not to feel a whirlwind of emotions. Crafting these cheeseburger pods has been like holding a piece of Disney magic right in my own kitchen, bringing the enchanting experiences of the theme parks into our homes.

It’s remarkable how food, especially Disney food, can evoke such strong feelings of joy and nostalgia, transporting us back to those carefree days spent wandering through Disney parks. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or someone just looking for a creative twist on everyday meals, these cheeseburger pods offer a glimpse into the vast culinary world of Disney.

But why stop here? This recipe is just the beginning of a delightful culinary adventure. Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and even destinations like Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are overflowing with unique and memorable dining options.

From cheeseburger steamed pods to Dole Whips and churros, each dish has a story, ready to be discovered and recreated. I invite you, whether you’re planning your next Disney vacation or simply dreaming of your favorite Disney destinations, to dive deeper into the world of Disney recipes. Let’s continue to bring the magic of Disney dining into our homes, one delicious bite at a time.

Other Disney Recipes to Check Out:

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Watch the video here:

YouTube thumbnail for Disney's Animal Kingdom Cheeseburger Pods.

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Homemade Disney World Cheeseburger Pods on a plate.

Copycat Disney Cheeseburger Pods

Yield: 30 Cheeseburger Pods
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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.

Ingredients

  • 3 Cans of Refrigerated Biscuit Dough
  • 1 Pound Ground Beef
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 Cup Dill Pickle Relish
  • 2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

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

Notes

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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 204Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 437mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 16g

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