Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs: The Ultimate Game-Day Snack

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce, these Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are your answer. Perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or any gathering where indulgence is encouraged, these bite-sized flavor explosions are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Each bomb features a seasoned ground beef exterior stuffed with sharp cheddar, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with sticky BBQ sauce. They’re baked to perfection, ensuring a juicy, cheesy center with a caramelized exterior.

Below, you’ll find a fully tested recipe with precise cooking times, temperatures, and pro tips to ensure success.

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Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bombs

Ingredients

For the Bacon Bombs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best juiciness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 12 cubes sharp cheddar cheese (½-inch cubes, about 1 oz each)
• 12 slices thin-cut bacon
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for heat)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top (for even cooking and crispier bacon).

2. Season the Ground Beef

• In a bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat.

3. Form the Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

• Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1.5 oz each).
• Flatten each portion into a small patty, place a cheddar cube in the center, and wrap the beef around it, sealing tightly.

4. Wrap Each Bomb in Bacon

• Stretch each bacon slice slightly to make it easier to wrap.
• Roll one slice around each beef ball, ensuring full coverage. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

5. Bake to Crispy Perfection

• Place the bacon bombs on the wire rack, seam-side down.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
• Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the BBQ sauce caramelizes.

6. Optional Glaze (For Extra Shine & Flavor)

• In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp hot sauce.
• Brush over the bombs right after baking for a glossy, flavorful finish.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

• Let rest for 2-3 minutes (the cheese will be molten!).
• Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

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Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Bombs

✅ Use thin-cut bacon – Thick bacon won’t crisp up as well in the baking time.
✅ Don’t skip the wire rack – Elevating the bombs prevents them from sitting in grease.
✅ Seal the cheese tightly – This prevents leaks during baking.
✅ Broil for extra crispiness – If you want darker bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

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Variations & Serving Ideas

🔥 Spicy Version – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the beef or use pepper jack cheese.
🍯 Sweet & Smoky – Swap regular BBQ sauce for a bourbon-infused variety.
🧀 Double Cheese – Mix cream cheese with cheddar for an ultra-gooey center.

Great with:

• Cold beer or a crisp cider
• Creamy coleslaw
• Pickles or jalapeños for contrast

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the bombs (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a tailgate, party, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Ready to make them? Preheat that oven and get wrapping—your taste buds will thank you!

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Did you try this recipe? Tag us on social media with your creations! 🧀🥓 #BaconBombs