1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bombs

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bombs

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These cheddar-stuffed BBQ bombs combine savory ground beef with melted cheddar, all wrapped in crisp beef bacon. The meat mixture, seasoned with garlic, onion powders, and black pepper, ensures rich flavor. Each bite is glazed with tangy barbecue sauce, then baked until the bacon crisps and the cheese melts inside. Ideal as a shareable main, they deliver smoky, cheesy satisfaction in every mouthful. For best results, use thick-cut bacon and monitor internal temperature to maintain juiciness and safety.

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe
Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:20:04 GMT
A plate of meatballs with sauce. Save
A plate of meatballs with sauce. | lilicooks.com

These cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs make for a perfect party snack or a hearty game day treat. Combining juicy ground beef with melted cheddar wrapped in smoky bacon creates a rich bite full of flavor and texture. They bring comfort food vibes with an impressive twist that always gets compliments.

I first made these for a weekend gathering, and now friends specifically ask for them whenever we get together. They are surprisingly easy to make and disappear fast.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: one pound is the base and brings rich flavor and moisture
  • Breadcrumbs: half a cup help hold the mixture together so the bombs keep their shape
  • One large egg: acts as a binder giving the mixture structure
  • Salt: adds essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors
  • Black pepper: half a teaspoon adds mild heat and depth
  • Garlic powder: half a teaspoon gives aromatic warmth
  • Onion powder: half a teaspoon brings subtle sweetness and complexity
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: half a cup melts into a creamy center that contrasts the meat
  • Beef bacon: eight slices for wrapping, adding smokiness and crisp texture
  • Barbecue sauce: quarter cup coats the bombs giving a tangy and sweet glaze

Ingredients

Select fresh ground beef that is not too lean for juicier results and thick-cut bacon for the best smoky crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Oven Preheat:
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is 190 degrees Celsius. Preheating ensures the bacon crisps evenly while the beef cooks through.
Mix the Meat Blend:
In a large mixing bowl thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is cohesive and well seasoned.
Form the Cheddar Bombs:
Divide the meat mixture into eight equal portions. Flatten each portion into a round patty and place shredded cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully mold the meat around the cheese, sealing it inside to make a smooth ball.
Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of beef bacon and wrap it tightly around each stuffed meatball. Tuck the ends underneath to secure the bacon so it does not unravel during cooking.
Glaze and Bake:
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a brush, coat each with barbecue sauce evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The bacon should be crisp, and an internal thermometer should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 71 degrees Celsius.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and serve hot for the best melty cheesy and savory experience.
Bacon wrapped meatballs on a white plate. Save
Bacon wrapped meatballs on a white plate. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the bacon crispy or microwave briefly but expect softer bacon. You can freeze uncooked bombs arranged on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred but watch moisture levels
  • Use smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a flavor twist
  • If beef bacon is hard to find, regular thick-cut pork bacon works well but adjust cooking time as pork bacon can render more fat

Serving Suggestions

  • These go great with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a full meal
  • Try them with creamy coleslaw or roasted corn for a barbecue feast feel
  • Serve with extra barbecue sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping to elevate the snack factor

Cultural Context

Stuffed meat dishes are a beloved tradition in many cuisines, often bringing families together. This particular twist blends American BBQ love with the comfort of cheesy stuffed meat, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something special for gatherings and celebrations.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bacon works best for wrapping?

Thick-cut beef bacon holds its shape well and crisps up nicely, enhancing the texture and flavor of the bombs.

→ How do I ensure the cheese stays melted inside?

Seal the ground beef tightly around the cheddar and bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, allowing the cheese to melt without leaking.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar with other cheeses?

Yes, cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda add unique flavors and melt smoothly inside the beef bites.

→ Is it necessary to use barbecue sauce?

The barbecue glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the smoky bacon; however, you can adjust the amount or use alternatives to your taste.

→ What side dishes pair well with these bites?

Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy coleslaw balance the richness of the bacon-wrapped bombs.

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bombs

Ground beef bites filled with cheddar, wrapped in bacon, and coated with rich barbecue glaze.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves (8 stuffed bacon bombs)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Mixture

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Filling and Exterior

08 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 8 slices beef bacon
10 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Steps

Step 01

Set oven to 375°F to preheat.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly until well integrated.

Step 03

Divide the meat mixture into eight portions. Flatten each portion, place shredded cheddar cheese in the center, and mold into a ball to fully encase the cheese.

Step 04

Encase each cheese-stuffed meatball with a slice of beef bacon, tucking the ends underneath to secure.

Step 05

Arrange bacon-wrapped bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with barbecue sauce evenly.

Step 06

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 07

Remove from oven and serve hot.

Tips

  1. For optimal texture, use thick-cut bacon and ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F before serving. Adjust barbecue sauce to taste.

Required Tools

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Brush
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains egg, dairy, and gluten; verify individual ingredient labels for allergens.