These cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs are my ultimate comfort food treat. Juicy meat, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon all wrapped together—it’s just so good. The smell alone gets everyone in the kitchen before they’re even done.
I love how each bite has that perfect mix of crispy bacon and melted cheddar. The BBQ sauce caramelizes on top, giving it that sweet, sticky finish. It’s messy, flavorful, and honestly worth every bite.
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast. They’re perfect for game days, backyard parties, or even just a weekend craving. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re eating happiness on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort Food: Savory beef wrapped around gooey cheddar, all hugged by crispy bacon.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps that anyone can follow, even first-time cooks.
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized treats disappear fast at gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them hours before and bake when ready.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 12 bacon bombs—enough for 4-6 people as an appetizer. Hosting a bigger group? Double everything and use two baking sheets.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before eating.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for BBQ sauce
Ingredients for Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
These bacon bombs use everyday ingredients that create big flavor. The combination of seasoned beef, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon makes every bite special. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together:
For the Meat Mixture:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and keeps the bombs tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so the meat stays together during cooking.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness throughout the meat.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings deep, savory flavor to the beef.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that make all the flavors pop.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory note without overpowering.
- Onion Powder: Creates a rounded, slightly sweet flavor base.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with bacon.
For Stuffing and Wrapping:
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, cut into small cubes.
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon wraps around each bomb perfectly.
Variations for Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
- Try Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack for spice, mozzarella for mild flavor, or gouda for smokiness.
- Add Jalapeños: Mix diced jalapeños into the meat for a spicy kick.
- Use Turkey Bacon: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer.
- Switch the Sauce: Try honey mustard or buffalo sauce instead of BBQ.
- Make Them Smaller: Form 18-20 mini bombs for bite-sized party appetizers.
How to Make Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top if you have one—this helps the bacon get crispy all around.
2. Mix the Meat
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to mix everything together gently. Don’t overwork the meat or the bombs will be tough.
3. Cut the Cheese
Cut your cheddar cheese into 12 equal cubes, about half an inch in size. These will be the melty surprise inside each bomb.
4. Form the Bombs
Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, then wrap the meat around it completely. Roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining portions.
5. Wrap with Bacon
Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around a meatball, tucking the ends underneath. Place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Continue with all the bombs, spacing them about an inch apart.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bacon should be crispy and the internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F.
7. Add BBQ Glaze
Remove from the oven and brush the tops with extra BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for 3-5 more minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the bacon bombs cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all run out when you bite in.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
These bacon bombs are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
- On Skewers: Thread them onto wooden skewers with cherry tomatoes for easy handling.
- Over Rice: Place them on a bed of white rice with steamed vegetables for a full meal.
- In Slider Buns: Tuck each bomb into a small roll with pickles and coleslaw.
- With Sides: Pair with potato salad, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables.
Decoration Ideas:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for color.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce in a zigzag pattern.
- Serve on a wooden board with toothpicks for a rustic presentation.
Storing Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
- Refrigerator: Store cooked bacon bombs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked bombs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the bombs up to 8 hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: It lets air circulate around the bacon so it crisps on all sides instead of sitting in grease.
- Use Cold Cheese: Cheese that’s cold from the fridge is easier to wrap and less likely to leak out during cooking.
- Test One First: If you’re worried about cheese leaking, bake one test bomb first to check your seal.
- Even Sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide the meat into equal portions for uniform cooking.
- Pat Bacon Dry: Damp bacon won’t crisp up as well, so pat it with paper towels before wrapping.
- Let Them Rest: Those few minutes of resting time help the cheese firm up slightly so every bite isn’t a gooey mess.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bomb) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 68mg |
| Sodium | 485mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 16g |
Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintCheddar Stuffed Bbq Bacon Bombs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bacon bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1/3 cup (40g) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (divided, plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 ounces (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- 12 strips bacon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
- Mix Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Form Bombs: Divide meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap the meat around it completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each meatball with one strip of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Glaze: Brush tops with remaining BBQ sauce. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until sauce is sticky.
- Rest and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs FAQs
Yes, ground turkey works well. Choose a blend with some fat (like 85/15) so the bombs stay moist. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of BBQ sauce to the mixture.
Make sure the meat is sealed completely around the cheese with no gaps. Using cold cheese and not overmixing the meat helps prevent leaks.
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat (around 375°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even cooking.
No, the bacon cooks perfectly while the meatballs bake. Raw bacon wrapped around the meat crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Regular-cut bacon works best because it crisps more evenly. Thick-cut bacon may not get as crispy in the time it takes to cook the meat.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The bacon should be golden and crispy.
Conclusion
Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs bring together everything you love about comfort food in one perfect bite. The seasoned beef stays juicy, the cheese melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness, and the bacon adds that crispy, smoky finish everyone craves. Whether you’re feeding hungry guests at a party or treating your family to something special, these bacon bombs deliver big flavor with simple ingredients. Make a batch this weekend and watch them disappear before your eyes!
