Description
Cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs bring mouthwatering comfort to your grill game with crispy bacon wrapping gooey cheese centers. Packed with smoky flavors and irresistible texture, you’ll crave these sizzling appetizers at every backyard gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (4 oz) cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a harmonious mix of spices – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until thoroughly combined.
- Gently separate the meat mixture into uniform portions, ensuring each will accommodate a pocket of melted cheddar.
- Flatten each meat portion into a thin, circular disc, creating a shallow well in the center to cradle the cheese.
- Nestle a generous cube of cheddar into the center of each meat disc, carefully folding and sealing the edges to completely encase the cheese.
- Wrap each cheese-filled meat bundle with a crisp bacon slice, securing the bacon with toothpicks to maintain the bomb’s structural integrity.
- Preheat the grill or smoker to medium-high heat, targeting a temperature around 375-400°F for optimal cooking.
- Position the bacon-wrapped bombs on the grill grates, ensuring indirect heat to prevent immediate charring.
- Rotate the bombs periodically, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior and ensuring even cooking.
- Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon turns golden and crisp, and the internal meat temperature reaches a safe 160°F.
- Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot, anticipating the molten cheddar surprise within each bomb.
Notes
- Experiment with lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier alternative that still packs incredible flavor and juiciness.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk briefly before mixing to ensure the meat mixture stays super moist and tender during cooking.
- Chill the meat mixture for 15-30 minutes before forming bombs to help them hold their shape better and prevent falling apart on the grill or in the oven.
- Consider using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex cheese flavor that melts perfectly inside each meaty bomb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg