👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or baking dish with foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
Season the beef.
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the meatballs.
Divide the beef into 12 equal portions.
Flatten each portion, place a cube of cheddar in the center, and seal the meat around the cheese to form a ball.
Wrap with bacon.
Wrap each meatball with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Bake.
Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon begins to crisp and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Glaze.
Brush each bacon bomb with barbecue sauce.
Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and the bacon is fully cooked.
Serve.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Coleslaw
Potato wedges
Corn on the cob
Pickles
A green salad
🌿 Optional Variations
Try using:
Pepper Jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar
Ground turkey or pork instead of beef
A spicy barbecue sauce
A sprinkle of brown sugar on the bacon before baking for a sweet-and-smoky finish
💡 Tips
Choose regular-cut bacon, as thick-cut bacon may take longer to crisp.
Avoid overfilling with cheese to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispy bacon, watching carefully to avoid burning.
✨ Bottom Line
Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are juicy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon with a sticky barbecue glaze. They're an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that's perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner. 🥓🧀🍖
