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Cheesy BBQ Bacon Bombs

These irresistible Cheesy BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. They're incredibly fast and easy to make, featuring a delicious combination of cheesy ground beef, smoky barbecue sauce, and crispy bacon, guaranteed to have everyone reaching for 'just one more.'
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheesy BBQ Bacon Bombs
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce your favorite!
  • 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 12 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 12 toothpicks
For Serving (Optional)
  • barbecue sauce additional, for dipping
  • green onions diced, for garnish
  • pickled jalapeños for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Foil or Parchment Paper
  • Wire rack
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top for crispy bacon.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, grated cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just mixed. Do not overmix.
  3. Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a 1.5-inch diameter ball.
  4. Step 4: Take one strip of thick-cut bacon and carefully wrap it around each meatball, slightly overlapping to cover snugly. Secure with a toothpick, ensuring it goes all the way through.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the prepared wire rack, leaving a little space between each.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Step 7: Transfer the cooked bombs to a plate lined with paper towels and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, remember to remove all toothpicks! Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and sprinkle with diced green onions or pickled jalapeños if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Not a cheddar fan? Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even smoked gouda. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or mild ground sausage instead of beef for a lighter option or different flavor. Spice things up with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. For an extra cheesy core, press a small cube of cream cheese or mozzarella into the center before rolling. Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like a tangy Carolina Gold, a sweet honey BBQ, or a fiery habanero BBQ.
Tips for Success: Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. Ensure bacon strips are wrapped tightly and secured well with toothpicks to prevent unravelling. Baking on a wire rack allows for ultimate crispy bacon. Make meatballs roughly the same size for even cooking. These can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge before baking.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftover Cheesy BBQ Bacon Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze wonderfully; flash freeze completely cooled bombs on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer for crispness.