Introduction
Do you love cheese, bacon, and BBQ? Then you’re going to love this recipe for Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs! These tasty little bites are packed with gooey cheddar cheese, wrapped in seasoned ground beef, covered in crispy bacon, and coated with sticky-sweet BBQ sauce. They’re juicy, cheesy, smoky, and full of flavor.
Whether you want a fun dinner, a party snack, or something delicious for game night, these BBQ bacon bombs are a big hit with both kids and adults. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything step-by-step, from gathering the ingredients to making each cheesy, bacon-wrapped bomb. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients – Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 6–8 bacon bombs (depending on size):
For the bombs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 works great)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (helps hold the meat together)
- 1 egg (to bind the beef mixture)
- 6–8 small cheddar cheese cubes (about ¾ inch each)
For wrapping and coating:
- 12–16 slices of bacon (2 per bomb)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Step by Step Process – Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the bacon get crispy while the bombs cook.
Step 2: Mix the beef
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, and egg. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix it until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Shape the bombs
Take a small handful of the beef mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball so the cheese is completely hidden. Repeat until all your bombs are shaped.
Step 4: Wrap in bacon
Take 2 slices of bacon per bomb. Wrap one slice around the ball from top to bottom. Wrap the second slice around from side to side, covering the meat completely. This gives a crisscross look and helps the bacon stay on during baking.
Step 5: Bake the bombs
Place the wrapped bombs on the wire rack. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
Step 6: Add the BBQ sauce
Remove the bombs from the oven and brush them with BBQ sauce. Place them back in the oven for another 5–7 minutes so the sauce gets sticky and caramelized.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
Let the bacon bombs rest for a few minutes. Then serve them hot, and enjoy that cheesy, juicy center with crispy bacon on the outside. These are perfect with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or even on their own as a meaty snack.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Bomb) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370–400 kcal |
| Protein | 22–25 g |
| Total Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8 g |
| Sugars | 3–4 g (from BBQ sauce) |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 600–700 mg |
| Cholesterol | 90–100 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg (from cheese) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar melts nicely, but you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even small cubes of cream cheese for a different taste.
Q2. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add BBQ sauce and air fry for another 3–5 minutes.
Q3. How do I store leftovers?
Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4. Can I freeze bacon bombs?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze raw bombs, wrap them and place them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw and cook as normal.
Q5. What can I serve with bacon bombs?
They pair great with fries, coleslaw, salad, baked beans, or even just some dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the kind of recipe that looks impressive but is super simple to make. The combination of melty cheese, juicy beef, smoky bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, making them for a party, or meal-prepping for the week — you can’t go wrong.
The best part? You can customize them any way you like — change the cheese, adjust the seasoning, or make them spicy with jalapeños.
So the next time you’re looking for a fun, filling, and flavorful recipe, give these bacon bombs a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy they are — and how fast they disappear from the plate! Happy cooking and enjoy every bite.
