Crispy bacon wraps around melted cheddar cheese in these irresistible BBQ bacon bombs that pack a serious flavor punch.
Bursting with savory goodness, this appetizer combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty barbecue notes into one addictive bite.
Each bomb promises a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
The combination of crisp bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce creates an unbeatable snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Spice levels can be adjusted to suit your heat preference, making these bombs versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up these delectable morsels in no time.
Prepare to wow your guests with this mouthwatering treat that transforms ordinary appetizers into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 460 kcal
Servings: 4
What Goes into Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
For Meat Base:
Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein foundation that carries bold flavor and creates tender texture.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and provides light, airy structure to the meat mixture.
Egg: Natural binding agent that helps hold everything together smoothly.
For Flavor Enhancers:
BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy profile with signature smoky undertones.
Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers deep umami complexity and enhances meat's natural savoriness.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors that amplify overall taste.
Garlic Powder: Introduces robust, aromatic punch without fresh garlic's intensity.
Onion Powder: Contributes subtle sweetness and rounded background notes.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses warm, smoky depth with gentle heat and beautiful reddish color.
For Filling and Topping:
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp centerpiece that creates gooey, indulgent surprise inside each bomb.
Bacon: Crispy, salty wrapper that adds irresistible crunch and intense flavor dimension.
Must-Have Tools for Assembling BBQ Bacon Bombs
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef and seasonings.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Baking sheet: Helps cook and hold the bacon bombs.
Sharp knife: Useful for dividing meat mixture evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for meat preparation.
Baking parchment or aluminum foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
How to Make Cheddar-Stuffed Bacon Bombs Step-by-Step
Prepare Meat Mixture Blend ground beef with zesty seasonings and binding agents in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a flavor-packed base for your savory treats.
Shape Delicious Packets Carefully divide the seasoned meat into uniform portions, ready to transform into mouthwatering bundles of joy.
Create Cheese Centers Nestle a chunk of sharp cheddar into the center of each meat portion, ensuring a gooey surprise awaits.
Wrap with Bacon Lovingly encase each cheese-filled meat ball with crispy bacon strips, securing with toothpicks if needed.
Grill to Perfection Place bombs on a preheated grill, rotating occasionally to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior and ensure the bacon becomes delightfully crisp.
Rest and Serve Allow the bombs to rest for a few minutes after grilling, letting the juices redistribute and the cheese settle into a molten center.
Garnish and Enjoy Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a final touch of flavor that'll make taste buds dance with excitement.
BBQ Flavor Boosts for Bacon Bomb Perfection
Meat Moisture Magic: Add a splash of milk or grated onion to the ground beef mixture to keep the bombs super juicy and prevent them from becoming dry during grilling.
Cheese Swap Delight: Experiment with different cheese options like pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a milder flavor, or blue cheese for an intense tangy twist.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make these bombs keto-friendly without losing texture or flavor.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the bacon bombs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps the flavors meld together and makes party prep easier.
Grill vs. Oven Options: For those without a grill, bake these bombs in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfectly cooked meat.
Best Ways to Serve BBQ Bacon Bombs
Flavor Party Platter: Serve these bacon bombs on a rustic wooden board with small dishes of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, creating an interactive and fun eating experience.
Sidekick Companions: Pair with creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or crispy potato wedges to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add textural contrast.
Game Day Presentation: Arrange the bacon bombs on a large platter surrounded by fresh herbs like parsley or chives, perfect for sports gatherings or casual weekend get-togethers where people love finger foods.
Picnic Perfect Spread: Pack these bombs in a portable container for outdoor meals, ensuring they stay warm in an insulated carrier and become the star of your backyard or park feast.
Reheating BBQ Bacon Bombs Without Drying Them
Smart Portioning Strategy: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal-sized portions for consistent cooking and serving sizes, ensuring each bomb gets the same delicious flavor profile.
Chilling Technique: Refrigerate prepared bombs for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart during grilling or baking.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked bombs individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Leftover Love: Store cooked bacon bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out.
Savory cheddar-stuffed bbq bacon bombs combine smoky grilled flavors with melted cheese and crispy bacon wrapped in a perfect handheld package. Grill masters and backyard cookout enthusiasts will love this irresistible appetizer that delivers bold southwestern-style taste in each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (453 g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
4 oz (113 g) cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
12 slices bacon (cut in half)
1 large egg
½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cheese Stuffing: Divide meat mixture into uniform portions, creating a thin disc with a central depression, then carefully place a cheddar cube in the center and seal edges completely to conceal the cheese.
Bacon Wrapping: Encase each cheese-filled meat bundle with a crisp bacon slice, securing with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity.
Grill Setup: Heat grill or smoker to 375-400°F, positioning bombs over indirect heat to prevent excessive charring.
Cooking Process: Grill bombs for 15-20 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and cook until bacon is golden and meat reaches 160°F internal temperature.
Serving: Allow bombs to rest briefly after cooking, then serve hot, revealing the molten cheddar core when cut open.
Notes
-Select Meat Wisely: Choose ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20 ratio) to ensure juicy, flavorful bombs without excessive greasiness.
-Seal Cheese Carefully: Pinch meat edges meticulously to prevent cheese leakage during grilling, using gentle pressing techniques to create complete seals.
-Control Grill Temperature: Maintain consistent indirect heat around 375-400°F to achieve crispy bacon and fully cooked meat without burning exterior.
-Prevent Cheese Explosion: Chill cheese cubes before stuffing to slow melting process and reduce risk of cheese escaping during cooking.
Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.
William Hawkins
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.