These juicy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped meatballs are glazed with smoky BBQ sauce and baked (or grilled) to crispy perfection. Each bite delivers melty cheddar, savory beef, and crispy bacon—perfect for parties, tailgates, or anytime you crave a meaty, cheesy indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Explosion of Flavor – Beef, cheese, and bacon in every bite
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big results
✅ Great for Crowds – Always disappears fast
✅ Oven or Grill Friendly – Works either way
Ingredients
For the Bacon Bombs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- ½ lb bacon (about 12 slices)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese cubes)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
For Serving (Optional):
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Meat Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese
- Take 1 tbsp of meat mixture, flatten it, and place 1 tsp shredded cheddar (or a cheese cube) in the center.
- Roll into a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
Step 3: Wrap in Bacon
- Cut bacon slices in half and wrap each meatball with a piece, securing with a toothpick.
Step 4: Bake or Grill
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place bacon bombs on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Brush with BBQ-honey glaze and bake 5 more minutes.
Grill Method:
- Cook over medium indirect heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Glaze in the last 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce and ranch for dipping.
Tips for the Best Bacon Bombs
🔹 Pre-Cook Bacon Slightly – For extra crispiness, microwave bacon for 1-2 minutes before wrapping.
🔹 Spicy Version? Add ½ tsp cayenne to the meat mixture.
🔹 Make Ahead – Assemble uncooked bombs and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Skewer with toothpicks for easy party serving.
- Pair with cold beer or a crisp coleslaw.
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate meat-lover’s snack—juicy, cheesy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Warning: Highly addictive!
Game on! 🧀🥓🔥