🥓🔥 Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs 🧀💣
Get ready to indulge in these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs—juicy beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smothered in smoky BBQ sauce. A bite of these savory bombs will explode with flavor, making them the perfect appetizer or party snack!
📝 Ingredients (Makes 12 bombs):
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended) 🥩
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite) 🍖
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
½ tsp salt 🧂
½ tsp black pepper 🌶️
1 large egg 🥚
1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
For the Bacon and BBQ Sauce Coating:
12 slices bacon 🥓
½ cup BBQ sauce (for coating) 🍖
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Mix everything together until well combined. The breadcrumbs will help bind the meatballs together, and the BBQ sauce will add moisture and flavor.
2. Stuff the Meatballs:
Using your hands, take a portion of the meatball mixture (about 2 tablespoons per ball) and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in the center of each flattened meatball and wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a tight ball.
Repeat this process until all 12 meatballs are stuffed with cheddar cheese.
3. Wrap the Meatballs in Bacon:
Take each meatball and wrap it with one slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon fully covers the meatball. Secure the ends of the bacon underneath the meatball so that it stays in place while cooking.
Place the wrapped meatballs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
4. Coat the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce:
Brush the top of each bacon-wrapped meatball generously with BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor and that delicious smoky finish.
5. Bake the Bacon Bombs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, and the meatballs are cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—aim for 160°F (71°C) in the center of the meatball.
If you want the bacon to be extra crispy, you can broil the meatballs for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to ensure the bacon doesn’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the BBQ bacon bombs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
For a final touch, brush them with a little extra BBQ sauce or serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
✨ Pro Tips:
Cheese Variety: For a different flavor twist, try using a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack inside the meatballs for extra melt and spice.
Bacon Choice: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier version, though it may not crisp up as much.
Make Ahead: These bacon bombs can be assembled a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
BBQ Sauce Options: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. A sweet BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with the sharp cheddar, while a tangy sauce adds a nice contrast to the bacon.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the bacon and cheese.
Dips: Pair with ranch dressing, sour cream, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Drinks: A cold beer or lemonade is a great complement to these savory bacon bombs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bombs
Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per bomb (depending on the size of the meatballs and amount of bacon used)
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Bacon Bombs:
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are everything you want in a savory appetizer or snack—juicy meatballs packed with gooey cheddar cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and slathered with smoky BBQ sauce. They are simple to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for serving at your next party, game day, or family gathering. Each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more!
Enjoy these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs—your new go-to comfort food! 🧀💣🥓