Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe

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Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs on a platter, golden-brown bacon wrapped around juicy meatballs with melted cheese inside.
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If you’re craving smoky, cheesy, finger-licking goodness, these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are about to steal the show. Imagine juicy meatballs stuffed with melty cheddar, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with sticky BBQ sauce—yep, they’re as epic as they sound. Perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or anytime you just want something bold and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheesy Surprise Inside: Every bite has a gooey cheddar core that makes these impossible to resist.
  • Smoky + Sweet: Bacon plus BBQ sauce? That combo brings the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These little bombs of joy will disappear fast at parties, tailgates, or family dinners.
  • Easy but Impressive: They look fancy, but trust me, they’re simple to make with just a few steps.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these bacon-wrapped flavor bombs (don’t worry, measurements will be in the recipe card at the bottom):

  • Ground Beef (or Pork Blend): The juicy, meaty base that holds everything together.
  • Cheddar Cheese Cubes: The melty center that makes these bombs ooze with flavor.
  • Bacon Strips: Crisps up beautifully while keeping the meatballs moist and smoky.
  • BBQ Sauce: For that glossy, finger-licking glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture so the bombs hold their shape.
  • Egg: Works as the glue to bring the meat mixture together.
  • Onion + Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory flavor to the meat.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.

Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card at the bottom of the article.

How to Make Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Step 1: Prep the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings until everything is mixed evenly.

Step 2: Stuff with Cheddar

Scoop a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a cheddar cube in the center. Roll it into a ball so the cheese is completely sealed inside.

Step 3: Wrap in Bacon

Take a strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each meatball. If needed, secure with a toothpick.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce

Brush each bacon-wrapped bomb with BBQ sauce for that smoky-sweet flavor boost.

Step 5: Bake or Grill

Place the bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or grill over indirect heat) and cook until the bacon is crisp and the meat is fully cooked. Brush with more BBQ sauce halfway through for extra glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then dig in while the cheese is gooey and the bacon is crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Seal the Cheese Well: Make sure the cheddar is fully tucked inside to avoid leaks.
  • Double the BBQ Glaze: Brushing halfway through gives you that sticky, caramelized finish.
  • Go Mini or Jumbo: Make smaller ones for appetizers or bigger ones for a hearty dinner.
  • Switch the Cheese: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for fun flavor twists.

How to Serve

  • Party Appetizer: Pile them on a platter with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
  • Dinner Time: Serve over mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad.
  • Game Day Snack: Pair with fries, onion rings, or cold drinks for the ultimate spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled bacon bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bacon is crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep the bacon from turning soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bombs a day in advance, store them covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any BBQ sauce works—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade. Go with your favorite flavor profile.

Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! Use indirect heat so the bacon cooks without burning, and brush with sauce for that perfect glaze.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Mozzarella for extra melty, gouda for smoky richness, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs on a platter, golden-brown bacon wrapped around juicy meatballs with melted cheese inside.

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Juicy seasoned beef packed around melted sharp cheddar, brushed with tangy BBQ sauce and wrapped in crispy bacon. These party-friendly bacon bombs are smoky, cheesy, and dangerously addictive.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 bombs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bacon Bombs
  • 2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cut into 6 equal cubes (about 1.3 oz / 37 g each)
  • 12 bacon strips regular-cut
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • toothpicks to secure bacon

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. In a large bowl combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overworking the meat.
  3. Divide the meat into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a round (about 1/2 inch thick). Place a cheddar cube in the center, fold the meat around the cheese and pinch to seal into a tight ball so the cheese is fully enclosed.
  4. Wrap each meatball with 2 bacon strips (overlapping slightly) so bacon covers the ball. Tuck ends underneath and secure with toothpicks as needed.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on the prepared wire rack. Brush each generously with BBQ sauce.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last 5 minutes brush with additional BBQ sauce and return to oven to caramelize.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes (cheese will be very hot). Remove toothpicks and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

For a smoky touch, substitute smoked cheddar or add a pinch of chipotle powder to the meat. These can be assembled ahead and chilled up to 24 hours — brush with sauce and bake straight from the fridge (add ~5 minutes to bake time).

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