Here’s a recipe for making Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs—a savory, smoky, and cheesy indulgence that’s perfect for BBQs, game days, or party appetizers.
🔥 Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe
🍽️ Yield:
Makes 12 bombs
⏱️ Prep Time:
30 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour
🧾 Ingredients:
For the bombs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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12 cubes of cheddar cheese (about ¾” each)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
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12 slices of bacon (thin-cut for easier wrapping)
For the BBQ glaze:
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
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½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional, for heat)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the cheese cubes
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Cut cheddar into ¾-inch cubes and set aside. Keep them cold (refrigerated) until ready to use.
2. Mix the meat
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
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Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
3. Form the bombs
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Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions.
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Flatten each portion into a disc in your hand.
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Place one cheese cube in the center and fold the meat around it, sealing it well into a ball.
4. Wrap in bacon
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Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon.
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Wrap tightly and ensure the ends overlap slightly.
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Secure with a toothpick if needed (especially for oven baking).
5. Preheat your cooking method
Choose your method:
🔸 Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
🔸 Grill: Preheat to medium heat (~375°F / 190°C)
🔸 Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
6. Cook the bombs
Oven method:
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Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
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Place bacon bombs on the rack (seam side down).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Grill method:
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Grill over indirect heat for 20–25 minutes with the lid closed.
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Finish with direct heat to crisp the bacon, turning occasionally.
Air Fryer method:
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Place in the basket with some space in between.
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Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crisp and internal temp is safe.
7. Add BBQ glaze
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Mix BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
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In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the bombs with the glaze.
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For extra stickiness, broil or grill for another 1–2 minutes after glazing.
8. Rest and serve
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Let the bombs rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
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Remove toothpicks, serve warm, and enjoy that melty cheddar center!
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch on the side
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Great with coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn
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Can also be served slider-style in mini buns