Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

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If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that delivers bold flavors, crispy edges, and gooey, melty centers, then Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are your next obsession. These bite-sized delights are the perfect combination of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese oozing from the center. Just one bite in, and you’ll experience a juicy, cheesy explosion wrapped in a caramelized bacon crust that’s slightly sticky, slightly crispy, and totally irresistible.

This dish is a showstopper at parties, game days, or any weekend gathering. Each bacon bomb is packed with rich, indulgent flavor, yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a next-level snack, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight and earn repeat requests from anyone lucky enough to try them.

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Ingredients for Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for glazing)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 12 strips of thick-cut bacon
• Toothpicks or butcher’s twine (optional, to secure the bacon)

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Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs can become dense.

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Step 2: Form the Meatballs and Add Cheese

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a sealed ball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used. You should end up with around 10–12 meatballs, depending on size.

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Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each meatball with a strip of bacon. You can use a second strip if needed for larger balls or extra coverage. Secure the bacon ends with toothpicks or gently tuck them underneath to hold in place while cooking.

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Step 4: Bake or Grill

To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bombs on the rack to allow fat to drain while they cook. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
To grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Grill the bacon bombs over indirect heat, closing the lid, for about 25 minutes, rotating occasionally for even crispiness.

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Step 5: Glaze and Finish

Brush each bacon bomb with a layer of BBQ sauce in the final 5–7 minutes of cooking. This gives the bacon a sticky, glossy finish and boosts the smoky-sweet flavor. Watch closely so the sauce doesn’t burn.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each bacon bomb individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes (or until heated through). You can also microwave them for 1–2 minutes, but the bacon won’t be as crisp.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 bacon bomb, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 540mg
  Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, you can. Keep in mind that turkey bacon is leaner and won’t crisp up the same way, but it’s a great alternative if you’re watching fat intake.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble them a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

3. What’s the best cheese for stuffing?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or even gouda work wonderfully.

4. Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Why is my cheese leaking out?

Make sure to seal the meat well around the cheese. Also, avoid overstuffing.

6. What sauces go well with these?

Besides BBQ, you can try ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a smoky aioli for dipping.

7. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, both are great alternatives. Just be sure to add extra seasoning for flavor.

8. How do I keep the bacon from falling off?

Toothpicks help, but wrapping tightly and placing the seam side down during baking is usually enough.

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