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Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs combine juicy beef stuffed with cheddar, wrapped in crisp bacon and onion layers. Baked until golden and glazed with barbecue sauce, these hearty bundles offer a smoky-sweet bite with a gooey cheese center. They’re perfect for dinners, game nights, or parties. Prepare ahead, bake fresh, and enjoy warm for maximum flavor and texture. Serve them whole as a main dish or cut into pieces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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Luna chef wearing a white shirt.
Crafted By Luna
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 03:01:46 GMT
Bacon cheddar onion buns. Save
Bacon cheddar onion buns. | myhomemademeal.com

These Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs are the ultimate appetizer that combines sweet tender onions with smoky bacon and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or game day, they burst with flavor and have a crispy golden crust that everyone will love.

The first time I made these onion bombs they disappeared within minutes at our party and have since become a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Large onions: peeled and separated into layers for stuffing
  • Ground beef: seasoned and cooked for the filling
  • Bacon slices: wrapped around each onion bomb for smoky flavor
  • Cheddar cheese: cut into cubes to melt inside
  • Barbecue sauce: brushed on near the end for glaze
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Toothpicks: to secure bacon around onions

Instructions

Prepare Onions:
Peel onions and separate into individual layers carefully to keep them intact.
Cook Ground Beef:
Season and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stuff Onions:
Place a cube of cheddar cheese and some cooked beef inside each onion layer and press gently to shape into a ball.
Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each stuffed onion ball tightly with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
Bake:
Place onion bombs on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.
Brush with BBQ Sauce:
Brush barbecue sauce over bombs and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bacon is crisp and caramelized.
Serve:
Remove toothpicks and serve warm as a delicious appetizer.
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Bacon cheddar onion bombs on a wooden table. | myhomemademeal.com

Storage Tips

Store leftover onion bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep bacon crispy. You can also freeze them before baking wrapped tightly in foil for up to one month; thaw overnight before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist. Maple syrup or honey can be added to the barbecue sauce for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these onion bombs with extra barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They pair well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

Cultural Context

Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs are a popular American appetizer inspired by barbecue culture and comfort food traditions. They combine the sweetness of onions with smoky and cheesy flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack at parties and gatherings.

FAQ

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Bacon cheddar onion bombs on a wooden table. | myhomemademeal.com
How Do I Keep Onion Bombs From Falling Apart During Baking?
Wrap each bomb tightly with bacon and use thick evenly sized onion layers. Gently press the beef mixture together before assembling. Securing with toothpicks can add extra hold.
Can I Use Different Cheese For The Stuffing?
Yes swap cheddar for mozzarella pepper jack or gouda for varied flavor and melt. Cut cheese into similar sized cubes for even results.
Is A Meat Thermometer Necessary?
Using a thermometer ensures the beef is fully cooked internal temperature one hundred sixty to one hundred sixty five degrees. If unavailable check that the bacon is crisp and onions are fork tender.
Why Wait To Brush Barbecue Sauce Until Near The End?
Applying sauce late prevents burning and allows the surface to caramelize without drying out or overcooking the bacon and onions.
Can These Be Prepared Ahead Of Time?
You can assemble bombs up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best taste and texture.
How Do I Make The Onions Easier To Separate?
Soak sliced onion halves in hot water for a few minutes before peeling the outer layers to prevent breaking.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep onion bombs from falling apart during baking?

Wrap tightly with bacon and use sturdy onion layers. Press the beef mixture firmly and secure with toothpicks if needed.

→ Can I use different cheese for the stuffing?

Yes, try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for varied melt and flavor. Keep cheese cubes uniform for even cooking.

→ Is a meat thermometer necessary?

Yes, it ensures the beef reaches a safe 160–165°F. Without one, check for crispy bacon and tender onions.

→ Why wait to brush barbecue sauce until near the end?

Brushing late prevents burning and allows the sauce to caramelize without overcooking the bacon or onions.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.

→ How do I make the onions easier to separate?

Soak halved onions in hot water for a few minutes to soften and ease layer separation without tearing.

Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs

Beef, cheddar, and bacon wrapped in onion and baked until smoky and gooey.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cooking Duration
45 minutes
Overall Time
70 minutes
Crafted By: Luna

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Moderate Challenge

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 8 Serving Size (8 bacon cheddar onion bombs)

Dietary Choices: ~

Everything You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 large yellow onions, outer 2 layers from each, peeled and halved
02 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85% to 93% lean)
03 1/2 cup plain or seasoned bread crumbs
04 1 large egg
05 1/4 cup whole milk
06 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, divided
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 8 cubes sharp cheddar cheese, cut evenly
12 16 slices center-cut smoked bacon

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Trim both ends of each onion, peel off the outer skin, and slice in half top to bottom. Carefully remove the two outermost layers from each half to form eight sets of sturdy shells.

Step 02

Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and slightly sticky.

Step 03

Divide the beef mixture into eight equal portions. Flatten each into a disc and place one cheddar cube in the center. Enclose the cheese completely by shaping into a sealed meatball.

Step 04

Position each meatball between two matching onion halves, adjusting as necessary to fully encase the meatball.

Step 05

Lay two slices of bacon in an X-shape and set the onion-wrapped meatball in the center. Wrap the bacon around and secure tightly. Use toothpicks only if necessary to hold the shape.

Step 06

Place all bacon-wrapped bombs seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, until the bacon starts to crisp and onions soften.

Step 07

Remove from oven and brush each bomb with remaining barbecue sauce. Return to oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and internal temperature reaches 160–165°F (71–74°C).

Step 08

Let bombs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Extra Suggestions

  1. To prevent tearing, soak onion halves in hot water for 3 minutes before separating layers.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure beef is safely cooked to 160–165°F.
  3. Apply barbecue sauce during the final baking stage to prevent burning and enhance caramelization.
  4. Onion bombs freeze well raw or fully baked. Add extra bake time when cooking from frozen.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer
  • Foil

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, milk)
  • Contains egg
  • Contains gluten (bread crumbs)

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 390
  • Fat Breakdown: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 9 grams
  • Protein Count: 24 grams