Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Beef Bacon Bombs Recipe
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Beef Bacon Bombs are juicy ground beef balls stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in thick-cut beef bacon, and cooked to crispy perfection. Versatile for oven baking or grilling, they are enhanced with your favorite BBQ sauce and garnished with green onions and pickled jalapeños, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish packed with smoky, cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling and Wrapping
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 slices thick-cut beef bacon
- 12 toothpicks (soaked in water if grilling)
To Serve
- Additional BBQ sauce for dipping
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Pickled jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a medium bowl, gently combine ground beef, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper using your hands. Mix just until combined, avoiding overworking the meat to keep it tender.
- Form and stuff patties: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and flatten each into a 1/2 inch thick patty. Place 1-2 teaspoons of shredded cheddar cheese in the center, then fold the edges around the cheese, sealing it inside. Roll gently into smooth, compact balls.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each beef and cheese ball with one slice of thick-cut beef bacon, securing the bacon with a soaked toothpick inserted through overlapping ends into the meatball.
- Cook in the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon bombs on the sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Or grill the bombs: Preheat a grill to medium heat (350-400°F / 175-200°C) and lightly grease the grates. Place the bacon bombs on the grill, turning frequently for 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and beef is cooked through at 160°F (71°C).
- Serve and garnish: Let the cooked bombs rest for 1-2 minutes. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce for dipping, garnished with sliced green onions and pickled jalapeño slices for added flavor and spice.
Notes
- Soaking toothpicks in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicy results and better flavor.
- If cheddar is not available, other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used.
- Make sure to seal the cheese well inside the beef to prevent leakage during cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños inside the beef mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked safely to 160°F (71°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
