Save
These BBQ Bacon Cheddar Bombs pack everything you want in a comfort food bite. Each meatball gets stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce, and cocooned in smoky bacon until crisp. Whether you bake or grill these, the result is a juicy, melty, irresistibly savory snack or meal that vanishes quickly whenever friends or family gather.
The first time I took a tray of these to a backyard party, everyone hovered nearby through the whole football game. The teens inhaled them, the adults asked for the recipe, and now they are a requested staple at every potluck.
Ingredients
- Ground beef with 80 to 20 fat content: The higher fat ratio keeps each bomb juicy and flavorful plus adds essential richness for true BBQ depth
- Thick cut bacon: Thin strips burn before the center is cooked so choose hearty slices from a trusted source for best results
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Pick a high quality block and cube it for bold flavor that stands out from the savory meat mixture
- BBQ sauce: Use your personal favorite from smoky to spicy Look for sauces with simple ingredients for genuine flavor
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Both boost depth and round out the meat and cheese without stealing the spotlight Choose fresh aromatics for extra punch when possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing The Meat Mixture:
- Begin by placing the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Pour in a generous amount of BBQ sauce along with garlic and onion powders. Using clean hands, mix gently until everything is just combined so the mixture remains light and tender rather than dense.
- Forming Uniform Portions:
- Divide the beef mixture into twelve equal pieces. Weigh each one if you want even results but a golf ball size works great. Shape each portion around a cube of cheddar ensuring the cheese is fully sealed inside so it melts perfectly.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique:
- Lay out each bacon strip and stretch gently with the back of a knife. This helps wrap the meatballs completely and prevents the bacon from shrinking off during cooking. Start wrapping at the center and overlap ends for secure coverage.
- Securing With Toothpicks:
- Slide a toothpick through the seam where bacon ends meet pressing it through the meatball center. Make sure the bacon is anchored tight so it will not unravel when baking or grilling.
- Temperature Control Methods:
- Arrange the bombs on a tray or grill set to medium heat. Too hot and the bacon burns while the beef undercooks. Bake or grill until the bacon is golden and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Proper Turning Technique:
- Handle carefully when turning using two spatulas for the first turn then switch to tongs. Rotate each one gently just once or twice to brown evenly and keep the bacon firmly attached.
Save
Watching the cheese melt out after the first bite is always my favorite moment. The oozy cheddar is the best part for my nephew too who tries to get the cheesiest-looking bombs on the plate every time.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until fully warmed. Avoid the microwave as it makes the bacon rubbery and spoils the texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap cheddar for other melting cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist. Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for beef if you prefer lighter options. Try different BBQ sauces for flavor variety or even replace with buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy version.
Save
Serving Suggestions
Pile these high as a party tray centerpiece or stack them on a sandwich bun for a BBQ slider. They also pair well with creamy coleslaw baked beans or roasted veggies. For a dramatic dinner presentation slice one in half and show off all that melty cheesy goodness.
Cultural Fun
Meatballs wrapped in bacon are a cross-cultural classic from Swedish cocktail fare to Southern American cookouts. These bombs put an all-American spin on that idea combining barbecue flavors and cheese for a dish that feels both novel and totally nostalgic.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the meatballs and bacon wrapping in advance, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
- → What kind of bacon gives the best results?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps without burning and holds the filling securely during cooking.
- → Are other cheeses suitable instead of cheddar?
Yes, try pepper jack for spice, smoked cheddar for depth, or even cream cheese for added richness.
- → How can I tell when the bombs are fully cooked?
The bacon should be crisp and golden, with the internal temperature reaching 160°F for safe doneness.
- → Can these be cooked on the grill?
Yes, grill at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, turning for even cooking and watching for bacon fat flare-ups.
- → What sides pair well with these bombs?
They're delicious with BBQ sauce for dipping, creamy coleslaw, or served alongside classic party snacks.