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Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are meaty, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon for a flavor-packed bite. Juicy ground beef encases a molten cheddar center and is finished with a tangy BBQ glaze, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, and casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bombs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20 works best
  • 1 cup shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese If using block cheddar, cut into 12 cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 slices bacon thin-cut works best
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce plus extra for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Toothpicks (optional)
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. If using a block of cheddar, cut 1 cup into 12 equal cubes (or measure about a tablespoon of shredded cheddar per bomb).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm to create a nest, and place a cheddar cube (or a tablespoon of shredded cheddar) in the center.
  4. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese and form it into a ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
  5. Wrap each meat ball with a slice of bacon, tucking in the ends or securing with a toothpick if necessary. Note that the bacon will shrink during cooking, forming a crispy wrapper.
  6. Brush each bomb generously with about ½ cup of barbecue sauce to create a sticky, caramelized exterior.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bacon bombs on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through.
  8. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

These delicious bacon bombs can be made ahead and kept in the fridge before baking, just be sure to brush with fresh BBQ sauce prior to cooking. For variations, try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or experiment with different cheeses and glazes such as buffalo or honey mustard. They make a fun party appetizer or game day treat that’s sure to impress your guests.