Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence! These smoky, cheesy, and savory delights feature juicy ground beef stuffed with melted cheddar, wrapped in crispy bacon, and coated in tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious appetizer, these bacon bombs will disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Juicy – A gooey cheddar center in every bite.
- Crispy Bacon Wrap – Smoky bacon adds crunch and flavor.
- BBQ Perfection – A sweet and tangy glaze takes them to the next level.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Great for parties, cookouts, or snack time!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or pork)
- Cheddar cheese (cubed)
- Bacon (thin-cut)
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
- Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare Meat Mixture – In a bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form Meatballs – Take a small portion of beef, flatten it, and place a cheddar cube in the center. Wrap the beef around the cheese, forming a ball.
- Wrap in Bacon – Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce – Lightly coat each bacon bomb with BBQ sauce.
- Bake – Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing with more BBQ sauce halfway through.
- Broil for Crispiness – Broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bacon.
- Serve & Enjoy! – Let cool slightly, remove toothpicks, and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bacon bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway.
- Sweet & Savory: Sprinkle with brown sugar before baking for a caramelized finish.
- Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked bacon bombs for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the meat tightly around the cheese and chill the balls before cooking.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but it may not get as crispy as regular bacon.
What BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best—honey BBQ, hickory, or bourbon-flavored sauces are great choices.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What side dishes go well with these?
Coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, or grilled veggies pair perfectly.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Broil for a few minutes at the end of baking or use an air fryer.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Just adjust seasoning to add more flavor.
What dipping sauces pair well with bacon bombs?
Ranch, honey mustard, extra BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli are great options.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Use smaller cheese cubes and bacon pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
Conclusion
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the perfect combination of cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, these meaty bites are sure to impress at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy every juicy, crispy, and flavorful bite!
Print
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bacon bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Description
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are juicy, cheesy, smoky, and wrapped in crispy bacon! Made with ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, and a crispy bacon shell, these bite-sized meatballs are perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying. Serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
For the Bacon Bombs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 oz cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese & Wrap in Bacon
- Flatten each meatball portion and place a small cube of cheddar cheese in the center.
- Wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a sealed ball.
- Wrap each meatball with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon Bombs
Option 1: Bake in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place bacon bombs on a lined baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In the last 5 minutes, brush with extra BBQ sauce for a caramelized finish.
Option 2: Grill for Smoky Flavor
- Preheat grill to medium heat (375-400°F).
- Place bacon bombs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.
Option 3: Air Fryer for Quick & Crispy
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange bacon bombs in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and air fry for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the bacon bombs cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese.
- No Cheese Leak: Seal the meat tightly around the cheese to prevent it from melting out.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.