This Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe is the ultimate backyard BBQ or game day snack—ooey-gooey melted cheddar wrapped in seasoned ground beef, then wrapped again in crispy bacon and brushed with smoky BBQ sauce. These bite-sized bombs explode with bold, cheesy, smoky flavor and are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party main. Whether you bake them or grill them, they’re guaranteed to steal the show with their gooey center and irresistible bacon shell.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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6 cheddar cheese cubes (about 1 inch each)
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6 slices of bacon
-
¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
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Optional: chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven or grill
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Mix the beef seasoning
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly seasoned, but don’t overwork the meat.
Step 3: Shape and stuff
Divide the ground beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk. Place one cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each disk, then wrap the meat around the cheese to form a ball, sealing all edges tightly.
Step 4: Wrap with bacon
Wrap one slice of bacon around each beef ball, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Make sure the bacon ends are tucked under or pinned so they don’t unravel during cooking.
Step 5: Brush with BBQ sauce
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill-safe tray. Brush each one generously with BBQ sauce.
Step 6: Bake or grill
Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or grill over indirect heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through (internal temp of 160°F). In the last 5 minutes, brush with more BBQ sauce and cook until glossy and caramelized.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve hot as-is or with extra sauce for dipping.
Variation
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Jalapeño Kick: Add a slice of pickled jalapeño inside each bomb with the cheese
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Sweet & Spicy: Use spicy BBQ sauce and add a touch of brown sugar before cooking
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Italian Style: Use mozzarella instead of cheddar and brush with marinara instead of BBQ sauce
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Breakfast Bombs: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, and serve with maple syrup
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Keto Version: Skip the BBQ sauce or use sugar-free BBQ sauce and pair with low-carb sides
Cooking Note
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Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor payoff
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For extra crispy bacon, place the bombs on a wire rack over a baking sheet
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Toothpicks help secure the bacon but remove before serving for a clean bite
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Cheese may ooze slightly—this is normal and adds to the crave-worthy appeal
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Letting them rest helps the juices redistribute and makes them easier to serve
Tips
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Chill the beef bombs for 10–15 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape
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Don’t press the meat too thin or the cheese may leak out during cooking
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Double the recipe for parties—these go fast
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Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or pickles
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Add a small piece of onion or garlic clove inside for extra savory flavor
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
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Calories: 340
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Protein: 21g
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Fat: 27g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 580mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on BBQ sauce and cheese used
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bombs and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda work well—just use firm cubes.
How do I cook these on the grill?
Use indirect heat, turning often to cook evenly. You can also use a grill tray or foil packet.
Will the bacon get crispy in the oven?
Yes—especially if baked on a rack. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze uncooked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the definition of indulgent finger food—melty cheese, seasoned beef, crispy bacon, and sweet-smoky BBQ glaze in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill or baking a batch in the oven, these juicy, flavor-packed bites are the MVP of any gathering. Easy to prep, fun to eat, and totally over-the-top delicious, they’re a guaranteed crowd favorite. Just make sure to make extra—because once these bombs hit the plate, they disappear fast.
Print
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
6 cheddar cheese cubes (about 1 inch each)
-
6 slices of bacon
-
¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
-
Optional: chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven or grill
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Mix the beef seasoning
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly seasoned, but don’t overwork the meat.
Step 3: Shape and stuff
Divide the ground beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk. Place one cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each disk, then wrap the meat around the cheese to form a ball, sealing all edges tightly.
Step 4: Wrap with bacon
Wrap one slice of bacon around each beef ball, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Make sure the bacon ends are tucked under or pinned so they don’t unravel during cooking.
Step 5: Brush with BBQ sauce
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill-safe tray. Brush each one generously with BBQ sauce.
Step 6: Bake or grill
Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or grill over indirect heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through (internal temp of 160°F). In the last 5 minutes, brush with more BBQ sauce and cook until glossy and caramelized.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve hot as-is or with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
-
Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor payoff
-
For extra crispy bacon, place the bombs on a wire rack over a baking sheet
-
Toothpicks help secure the bacon but remove before serving for a clean bite
-
Cheese may ooze slightly—this is normal and adds to the crave-worthy appeal
-
Letting them rest helps the juices redistribute and makes them easier to serve
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 21g