Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs 🥓🧀🔥
Juicy, Cheesy, and Smothered in Flavor
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are a showstopper for any occasion. A juicy mix of ground beef and sausage is stuffed with gooey cheddar, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked (or smoked) to perfection. Smothered in barbecue sauce, they’re indulgent, savory, and irresistible—perfect for game days, family gatherings, or an unforgettable dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
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½ lb (225 g) ground pork sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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6–8 slices bacon
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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½ cup barbecue sauce (for glazing)
Optional: chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor
👩🍳 Methods / Instructions
1. Preheat Oven or Smoker
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Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Smoker: Preheat to 225–250°F (107–121°C) if smoking.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
3. Assemble the Bombs
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Take a portion of the meat mixture (about ⅓ cup) and flatten into a patty in your hand.
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Place a small handful of shredded cheddar in the center.
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Fold meat around cheese, forming a tight ball so the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with remaining mixture.
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Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, tucking ends underneath to secure.
4. Bake or Smoke
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Oven Method: Place bombs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, then brush with barbecue sauce and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Smoker Method: Smoke for 1.5–2 hours until cooked through, brushing with barbecue sauce during the last 20 minutes.
5. Serve
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Let bombs rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
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Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.