Here’s a recipe for Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs — crispy bacon-wrapped balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavorful fillings. These are perfect as appetizers or snacks!
Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground sausage (or ground beef/turkey if preferred)
12 oz (340g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes or sticks
12 strips of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
Optional fillings (choose any or all):
Chopped jalapeños (for spice)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling:
Cut the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes or sticks (about 1 inch).
Optional: If using jalapeños or herbs, have them ready to mix in.
2. Season the meat:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage (or your choice of meat) with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning.
Mix well until all the seasonings are evenly incorporated.
3. Form the balls:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
Place a cube of mozzarella (and optional jalapeños/herbs) in the center.
Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a tight ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
Repeat until all meat and cheese are used up.
4. Wrap with bacon:
Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each meatball, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during cooking.
5. Cook:
Option A: Oven (Recommended for even cooking)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the bacon-wrapped balls on a baking rack over a baking sheet lined with foil (to catch drippings).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crispy and meat is cooked through.
Option B: Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place bacon bombs in the basket in a single layer.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and cooked.
Option C: Grill
Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until cooked and bacon is crisp.
6. Serve:
Remove toothpicks carefully.
Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture.
If you want extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon strips before wrapping.
These can be made ahead and refrigerated; just bake fresh before serving.
To make smaller bites, use less meat per ball and adjust cooking time accordingly.