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Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

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My husband's fantasy football draft party needed food that would actually impress his buddies instead of the usual chips and store bought wings. I made these cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs on a whim, and six grown men went completely silent for about three minutes while they inhaled the first batch. One guy texted me the next day asking if I'd cater his wedding. They're basically everything good about bacon cheeseburgers rolled into bite sized bombs of pure happiness.

Irresistible cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs with a molten cheese center and crispy caramelized bacon. The ultimate party appetizer that tastes like bite-sized bacon cheeseburgers.
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Cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs wrapped in crispy bacon with melted cheddar oozing out and fresh parsley on top.
Cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs wrapped in crispy bacon with melted cheddar oozing out and fresh parsley on top. Save it For Later
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What is Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs are savory meatballs made from seasoned ground beef wrapped around a cube of sharp cheddar cheese, then completely encased in bacon strips and baked or grilled with tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Unlike regular meatballs that can be dry or boring, these have a molten cheese center that oozes out when you bite into them, while the bacon exterior gets crispy and caramelized. The result is essentially a deconstructed bacon cheeseburger in perfect portable form that disappears at parties faster than you can make them.

How To Make Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Our cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor and juiciness that prevents dry meatballs. The secret is freezing the cheese cubes slightly before stuffing so they don't melt out during cooking, and weaving the bacon tightly enough to hold everything together without gaps. After making these probably seventy times for various gatherings, I've learned exactly how to seal them so the cheese stays inside where it belongs.

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Stuffing and Wrapping:

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 lb bacon strips (not thick cut)
  • Toothpicks for securing

For the BBQ Glaze:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Ingredients for cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs laid out on a white counter, including ground beef, sausage, cheddar, bacon, BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Save it For Later

Step by Step Method

Prepare Your Cheese Cubes First

  • Cut cheddar cheese into uniform 1 inch cubes
  • Place cheese cubes on plate and freeze for 20 minutes
  • Slightly frozen cheese won't melt out during wrapping
  • This step is crucial for keeping cheese inside

Form the Meat Around Cheese

  • Mix ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings thoroughly
  • Take about 2 tablespoons meat mixture and flatten in palm
  • Place frozen cheese cube in center and wrap meat completely around it
  • Roll into smooth ball with no cracks or gaps

Wrap Each Bomb in Bacon Tightly

  • Take 2 strips of bacon per bomb (cut if needed)
  • Wrap first strip around middle of meatball horizontally
  • Wrap second strip perpendicular to first, covering all gaps
  • Secure ends with toothpick inserted through center

Bake Until Bacon Crisps Perfectly

  • Place bacon wrapped bombs on wire rack over baking sheet
  • Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bacon starts browning
  • Brush generously with BBQ glaze mixture on all sides
  • Return to oven 10 to 15 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized

What Pairs Well With Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs?

These rich cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs pair beautifully with classic potato salad, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for complete game day spreads. We love serving them alongside corn on the cob, baked beans, or loaded potato skins for ultimate tailgate feasts. For party platters, try them with ranch dip, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce for dunking. They also work great on burger buns as sliders for heartier appetites.

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Variations

Jalapeño Popper Bacon Bombs

  • Mix diced jalapeños into meat mixture for heat
  • Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
  • Add cream cheese dollop with pepper jack cube
  • Spicy kick for adventurous eaters

Mushroom Swiss Bacon Bombs

  • Sauté finely diced mushrooms and mix into beef
  • Stuff with Swiss cheese cubes instead of cheddar
  • Use garlic butter glaze instead of BBQ sauce
  • Sophisticated twist on classic flavor

Pizza Style Bacon Bombs

  • Add Italian seasoning and garlic to meat mixture
  • Stuff with mozzarella cheese cube and pepperoni piece
  • Glaze with marinara sauce instead of BBQ
  • Kids go absolutely crazy for these

Breakfast Bacon Bombs

  • Use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage
  • Stuff with cheddar and scrambled egg piece
  • Glaze with maple syrup mixed with hot sauce
  • Perfect for brunch gatherings

Equipment

  • Wire cooling rack for even cooking
  • Rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings
  • Sharp knife for cutting cheese cubes
  • Mixing bowl for combining meat mixture
  • Toothpicks for securing bacon ends
  • Pastry brush for applying BBQ glaze

Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh

Best Fresh

  • Serve immediately after baking for crispiest bacon
  • Cheese stays perfectly melted and gooey when hot
  • Bacon has best texture straight from oven
  • Leftovers are good but fresh is superior

Make Ahead Strategy

  • Form meat around cheese up to 24 hours ahead
  • Wrap in bacon and refrigerate until ready to bake
  • Freeze uncooked bacon bombs up to 3 months in single layer
  • Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes cooking time

Reheating Instructions

  • Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes
  • Air fryer works great at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes
  • Microwave makes bacon soggy so avoid if possible
  • Brush with fresh BBQ sauce before reheating for moisture

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Top Tips

The number one mistake everyone makes is using thick cut bacon that won't crisp properly before the meat overcooks. I learned this at my first attempt when I used fancy thick bacon from the butcher and ended up with chewy rubber bands around overcooked meatballs. My brother in law Mike (who competed in BBQ competitions for years) watched me struggle and said "Hannah, you need regular bacon for wrapping. Thick cut is for eating straight." He was absolutely right. Regular bacon has just enough fat to render and crisp in the same time it takes the meatballs to cook through. Thick cut either stays floppy or you have to cook everything so long the meat dries out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook them on a grill or smoker?

Yes! Grill over indirect medium heat for 35 to 40 minutes, or smoke at 250°F for about 1 hour. Brush with BBQ sauce during last 15 minutes.

How do I know when they are fully cooked?

Internal temperature should reach 160°F for beef. The bacon should be crispy and browned, and juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Pepper jack, mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss all work great. Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with extra cooking time.

Game Day Glory Made Simple

Seventy batches later, these cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs are requested at every single party we host or attend. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make grown men go completely silent while they eat.

Need more crowd pleasing appetizers? Our Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes deliver comfort food in shareable form, while Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs offer easy cheesy perfection. For more bacon wrapped goodness, try our Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls that bring spicy heat to the party.

Tag your cheddar stuffed bbq bacon bombs creations @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #CheddarBBQBaconBombs! I save every single photo because they all look so perfectly crispy and delicious.

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Cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs wrapped in crispy bacon with melted cheddar oozing out and fresh parsley on top. Save it For Later

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Irresistible cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs with a molten cheese center and crispy caramelized bacon. The ultimate party appetizer that tastes like bite-sized bacon cheeseburgers.
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Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Cheese (optional): 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bacon bombs
Calories: 265kcal
Author:
3178662ec14a78eb1923901e470a1eb61d070ad58e42b4ce40807f071118ba49?s=30&d=mm&r=g Save it For Later
Hannah Cooking
Cost: $14–$18 per batch

Equipment

  • 1 Wire rack (For even, crispy cooking)
  • 1 Baking Sheet (Place under rack to catch drips)
  • 1 Mixing bowl (For meat mixture)
  • 1 Sharp knife (To cut cheddar cubes)
  • 12 Toothpicks (To secure bacon)
  • 1 Pastry brush (For BBQ glaze)

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb Ground beef - 80/20 blend
  • 0.5 lb Italian sausage - Casings removed
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs - Any variety
  • 1 large Egg - Lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves Garlic - Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper - To taste

Stuffing & Wrapping

  • 8 oz Cheddar cheese - Cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb Bacon - Regular cut, not thick
  • Toothpicks - For securing bacon

BBQ Glaze

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce - Any brand
  • 2 tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley - Chopped
  • Extra BBQ sauce - For serving

Instructions 

  • Freeze cheddar cubes for 20 minutes.
  • Combine beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
  • Flatten meat, add cheese, wrap tightly.
  • Use 2 bacon strips per ball; secure with toothpick.
  • Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
  • Brush with BBQ glaze generously.
  • Bake 10–15 more minutes until caramelized.
  • Top with parsley and serve warm.
    Cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs wrapped in crispy bacon with melted cheddar oozing out and fresh parsley on top. Save it For Later

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used

Nutrition

Serving: 1bacon bomb | Calories: 265kcal (13%) | Carbohydrates: 9g (3%) | Protein: 16g (32%) | Fat: 19g (29%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 65mg (22%) | Sodium: 520mg (23%) | Potassium: 230mg (7%) | Sugar: 7g (8%) | Vitamin A: 200IU (4%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 105mg (11%) | Iron: 1.2mg (7%)

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