Description
Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are a savory, smoky, and cheesy treat featuring seasoned ground beef or sausage wrapped around rich cheddar cheese, all enveloped in crispy bacon and coated with tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling or baking, they make an irresistible appetizer or main course that is bursting with flavor and a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a combination of both)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Additional BBQ sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F) or set your oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Meat and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or sausage with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs with Cheese: Shape the meat mixture into balls, placing a cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each one. Seal the meat fully around the cheese to ensure it stays inside while cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap 2-3 slices of bacon around each meatball, making sure to cover as much surface as possible. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks if needed to keep it in place during cooking.
- Cook the Bacon Bombs: Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet or grill tray. Brush the tops generously with BBQ sauce. Bake in the oven or grill for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the bacon bombs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions before serving to add freshness and vibrant flavor.
Notes
- You can use all ground beef, all sausage, or a mix depending on your preference for flavor and fat content.
- Ensure the meatballs are sealed tightly around the cheese to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
- Wrapping tightly with bacon and securing with toothpicks helps keep the bacon in place while cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning or BBQ sauce to match your flavor profile.
- These bombs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook.
