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Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

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  • Author: clara
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.

Step 2: Stuff with Cheese & Wrap in Bacon

  1. Flatten each meatball portion and place a small cube of cheddar cheese in the center.
  2. Wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a sealed ball.
  3. 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

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place bacon bombs on a lined baking sheet with a wire rack.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. In the last 5 minutes, brush with extra BBQ sauce for a caramelized finish.

Option 2: Grill for Smoky Flavor

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat (375-400°F).
  2. Place bacon bombs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
  3. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.

Option 3: Air Fryer for Quick & Crispy

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Arrange bacon bombs in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/cheddar-stuffed-bbq-bacon-bombs/