BBQ Bacon Cheddar Bombs (Print Format)
Bacon-wrapped meatballs with cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce. Crispy, cheesy, and perfect for any party or gathering.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Meatballs
01 -
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
02 -
1/2 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
03 -
1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Assembly
08 -
12 strips thick-cut bacon
09 -
12 wooden toothpicks (soak in water if grilling)
→ Optional Garnishes
10 -
Extra BBQ sauce for serving
11 -
Fresh green onions, chopped
12 -
Pickled jalapeño slices for heat
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top to help the bacon get crispy all around. If you're grilling instead, heat your grill to 375°F and lightly oil the grates.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix just until everything comes together - don't overwork it or your meatballs will be tough.
03 -
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. The easiest way is to split it in half, then divide each half into 6 pieces. Roll each portion into a ball about 1½ inches across. If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them with cold water.
04 -
Take each meatball and wrap it completely with a strip of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick pushed all the way through. Repeat until all meatballs are bacon-wrapped.
05 -
Place the wrapped meatballs on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs for even browning. The bacon should be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F. Move to a cooler part of the grill if flare-ups occur.
06 -
Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on your prepared baking sheet with the wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
07 -
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in. Remove toothpicks before serving (or warn your guests!). Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
# Tips:
01 -
These bacon bombs combine melted cheese, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and perfectly seasoned beef in every single bite.
02 -
For extra flavor, try using smoked cheddar cheese or add a few drops of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce.
03 -
These can be prepped ahead of time - just assemble the meatballs and refrigerate until you're ready to cook.
04 -
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or use a spicier BBQ sauce. For a touch of sweetness, mix in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.