Ever wondered what happens when you combine three of life’s greatest pleasures – bacon, beef, and melted cheese? You’re about to discover the magic of Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs, a game-changing appetizer that’ll make you the hero of your next gathering. These savory meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon and oozing with molten cheddar aren’t just food – they’re little bundles of joy that’ll have your guests begging for your secret. Let’s explore how you can master these irresistible bites.
Quick Overview
- Ground beef mixture combines meat, seasonings, egg, and breadcrumbs to form the outer layer.
- Cheddar cheese cubes serve as the center filling for each meatball.
- Bacon strips completely encase each meat-cheese ball, held together with toothpicks.
- BBQ sauce coating adds flavor and helps create a glazed exterior.
- Smoking at 275°F until reaching 165°F internal temperature ensures food safety.
- Make-ahead preparation allows for 24-hour refrigeration before cooking.
- The recipe allows customization with different cheese types and BBQ sauce flavors.
History
While the exact origin of BBQ bacon bombs remains unclear, these indulgent appetizers started gaining popularity on social media around 2014 as part of the “epic food” trend.
They’re a creative evolution of bacon-wrapped foods and stuffed meatballs that have long been backyard BBQ favorites.
They’ve become a staple at tailgating parties and weekend cookouts, where you’ll often see pitmasters putting their spin on the recipe.
The smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and BBQ sauce combination have made these savory bombs a crowd-pleasing hit that’s here to stay.
Recipe
BBQ bacon bombs are the ultimate comfort food combining the smoky flavors of bacon with gooey melted cheddar and tangy barbecue sauce. These savory meatballs are perfect for game day gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any occasion that calls for indulgent finger food.
The key to perfect bacon bombs lies in carefully wrapping seasoned ground beef around chunks of cheddar cheese, followed by a bacon wrap that crisps up beautifully during cooking. When done right, these bombs deliver an explosion of flavors with every bite, as the melted cheese core mingles with the juicy beef and crispy bacon exterior.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb bacon strips
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Mix the ground beef with seasonings, egg, and breadcrumbs. Take about 1/3 cup of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar in the center and wrap the meat around it, completely sealing it. Wrap each meatball with 1-2 strips of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
Grill or smoke at 275°F for about 45 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce in the last 15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and bacon is crispy.
For best results, use cold cheese cubes to prevent excessive melting during assembly, and choose regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut for better wrapping. If grilling isn’t an option, these can be baked in the oven at 375°F on a rack over a drip pan.
Allow bombs to rest for 5 minutes before serving to prevent cheese from oozing out completely when cut.
Cooking Steps
You’ll want to start by mixing your ground beef mixture and carefully wrapping it around cheddar cheese cubes to form tight, sealed balls.
Next, snugly wrap each beef ball with bacon strips and brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Finally, place your bacon bombs in your smoker at 275°F and let them cook until they reach the perfect doneness, transforming into juicy, cheese-filled bites of heaven.
Step 1. Mix Ground Beef Mixture
The first step is combining lean ground beef with diced onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and your favorite BBQ seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
You’ll want to use your hands to gently mix everything until it’s well incorporated, Don’t overmix, or your meat bombs might get tough.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Once everything is evenly distributed, you’re ready to start forming your bombs around those delicious cheddar cheese cubes.
Trust me, your patience here will pay off!
Step 2. Wrap Beef Around Cheddar
Once your seasoned beef mixture is ready, grab a small handful (about 1/4 cup) and flatten it into a thin patty in your palm.
Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center of your beef patty. This is where the magic happens!
Carefully fold the edges of the meat up and around the cheese, making sure it’s completely sealed. Gently roll it between your palms to form a perfect meatball shape.
Double-check for any gaps or thin spots – you don’t want that delicious cheese escaping during cooking!
Step 3. Wrap With Bacon Strips
Taking your perfectly formed meatball to the next level requires wrapping it lovingly in bacon strips.
You’ll want to use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut, so it cooks evenly with the beef. Lay out 2-3 strips in a crisscross pattern, then place your stuffed meatball in the center.
Carefully wrap the bacon around the meatball, making sure to overlap the strips slightly for complete coverage.
If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving! The bacon will help seal in the moisture while adding that irresistible smoky flavor we all crave.
Step 4. Brush BBQ Sauce Generously
Now that your bacon-wrapped masterpiece is ready, it’s time to slather on the BBQ sauce that’ll transform these bombs into glazed perfection.
Grab your favorite BBQ sauce and use a basting brush to generously coat the bacon.
Don’t be shy – you’ll want to ensure complete coverage for that signature sticky-sweet finish.
As you brush, pay special attention to any spots where the bacon overlaps, making sure the sauce seeps into all the nooks and crannies.
This liberal coating will caramelize beautifully during cooking, creating an irresistible glaze that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 5. Smoke at 275° F
Set your smoker to a steady 275° F for the perfect balance of slow cooking and bacon crisping.
Place your BBQ bacon bombs on the smoker grates, making sure they’re not touching each other. You’ll want to smoke them for about 60-90 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and has a nice mahogany color.
Keep an eye on the internal temperature – you’re aiming for 165° F in the center.
Don’t rush this part – the slow smoke helps the flavors develop and ensures the bacon gets that irresistible crispy texture while keeping the cheese from escaping too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent cheese from leaking during cooking?
Wrap the bacon tightly around the filling and secure it with toothpicks.
While some cheese leakage is normal during the cooking process, proper wrapping will minimize this issue.
What internal temperature should the BBQ bacon bombs reach?
For food safety, cook BBQ bacon bombs to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the center of the filling.
Can I prepare BBQ bacon bombs in advance?
You can assemble the bacon bombs up to 24 hours before cooking.
Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to smoke.
How can I customize the filling?
Experiment with different cheese varieties or add diced jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
The basic recipe can be modified to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the same cooking technique.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for the perfect game-day appetizer, these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are guaranteed to impress your guests.
They’re the ultimate combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Experiment with different cheese varieties or BBQ sauce flavors to make these bombs your own.
You can even prep them in advance and pop them on the grill when your guests arrive.
If you need help or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out on social media.
Til next time,
