Description
Cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs blend explosive flavor with irresistible comfort. Crispy bacon wraps gooey cheese in a tangy barbecue embrace, promising pure indulgence with each mouthwatering bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 4 ounces (4 oz) cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 12 slices bacon (cut in half)
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauces and Liquid Ingredients:
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Create a robust meat mixture by combining ground beef with breadcrumbs, whisking in an egg, and blending aromatic spices including BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Carefully divide the seasoned meat mixture into 12 uniform portions, ensuring consistent size and texture.
- Gently flatten each meat portion into a thin disc, creating a perfect vessel for the hidden cheese treasure.
- Place a compact cube of sharp cheddar cheese precisely in the center of each meat disc.
- Meticulously encase the cheese by folding and sealing the meat around it, forming a seamless, compact ball with no cheese exposure.
- Drape each meat sphere with a half-slice of crispy bacon, completely enveloping the protein package.
- Secure the bacon wrapping by inserting a toothpick through the meat, preventing unwrapping during cooking.
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking sheet lined with a wire rack for optimal air circulation and fat drainage.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped morsels on the prepared rack, ensuring space between each bomb for even cooking.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating the bombs midway to guarantee uniform browning and crispy bacon exterior.
- During the final 5 minutes, generously brush each bomb with additional BBQ sauce to create a glossy, caramelized glaze.
- Remove from oven and allow the bombs to rest for a few minutes, letting the internal temperature stabilize.
- Serve alongside extra BBQ sauce for dipping, creating an interactive and indulgent dining experience.
Notes
- Seal cheese completely inside meat to prevent leakage during cooking, ensuring a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Use thick-cut bacon for optimal crispiness and better coverage around the meat mixture.
- Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that complements the smoky BBQ seasoning.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain texture and binding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 752 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg