Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs offer a mouthwatering blend of juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, all finished with a smoky barbecue sauce glaze. Mixing seasoned ground beef with cheese, each meatball is wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection for a juicy, cheesy core and a crisp exterior. Brushing with BBQ sauce adds another layer of flavor, producing a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main that’s both satisfying and easy to make. These savory bites work well for gatherings or weeknight dinners; thick-cut bacon is
recommended for the ideal texture and flavor combination.
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser if you are craving something savory smoky and overflowing with gooey cheese. These bacon-wrapped meatballs check every box for a comforting appetizer or a fun game day treat and they are surprisingly easy to pull off in just three straightforward steps.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy and cheesy inside with crispy bacon on the outside
Quick and straightforward only three main prep steps
Perfect for potlucks game day or family dinners
Easy to scale for larger crowds
My family devours these every time I serve them the barbecue glaze caramelizes so beautifully that it feels like you ordered them out but they are all homemade. The first time I made a double batch for a backyard barbecue there were none left by the end of the night
Ingredients
Ground beef: delivers a juicy meaty bite opt for 80 percent lean for best texture
Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture for tender meatballs use fresh if possible
Egg: brings everything together and prevents crumbling
Salt and black pepper: enhance every flavor
Garlic powder: adds mellow depth go for granulated if you want a gentler taste
Onion powder: brings subtle savoriness look for a fine texture for even mixing
Shredded cheddar cheese: is the star filling sharp cheddar melts best and gives bold flavor
Bacon: provides a smoky wrapper for crispiness choose thick-cut for the best finish
BBQ sauce: gives it a glossy sweet tangy finish pick your favorite brand or a smoky style for extra punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix and Prepare Meat Mixture:
Combine ground beef breadcrumbs egg salt black pepper garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix with clean hands until just blended for tender results without overworking the meat.
Form and Stuff Meatballs:
Pinch off equal pieces of the meat mixture and flatten each in your palm. Place a generous pinch of shredded cheddar in the center then mold the meat around it fully sealing the cheese so it does not leak during baking.
Wrap in Bacon and Glaze:
Wrap each stuffed meatball tightly with a slice of bacon making sure the ends are tucked underneath. Arrange seam side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush each bacon-wrapped ball liberally with BBQ sauce to coat every surface.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for twenty-five to thirty minutes until the bacon is deep golden and crisp and the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches one hundred sixty degrees ensuring safety and succulence. Serve while hot and gooey inside.
Cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs on a wooden platter.
Save
Cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs on a wooden platter. | lilicooks.com
×
You Must Know
Bacon bombs reheat beautifully and work great for meal prep
You can freeze uncooked bombs then pop them straight into the oven
These bite-sized appetizers make perfect party food
There is something magical about the cheddar in the center when you pull these out of the oven and see the cheese just bubbling through the bacon stripes. My youngest always tries to sneak the cheesiest one off the tray first and it has become a family joke to call dibs before serving.
