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Cheesy beef-filled rolls with onions pickles and a golden sesame crust bring all the flavors of a fast-food burger into the perfect hand-held party snack or game day treat. The oozy cheese center and pillowy bread make these Big Mac Cheeseburger Bombs a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
I made these first for a family movie night and the plates were cleared in minutes. Now my friends ask for these bombs every time I host a potluck or game night.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: brings the classic beefy flavor and makes the filling juicy and satisfying Choose freshly ground beef for best taste
- Onion powder garlic salt salt and black pepper: add layers of savory flavor Use a fine grind for even seasoning
- White onion: offers moisture and the signature sweetness Always finely mince or grate so it blends into the filling
- Dill pickles: chopped finely for tangy crunch Opt for refrigerated pickles for fresh snap
- Block American cheese: melts into creamy gooey pockets Look for a good-quality block for melting
- Frozen dinner rolls: give a tender bakery-style outer crust Thaw fully before use for easy handling
- Large egg: used for a glossy coating and to hold on the sesame seeds Make sure your egg is well beaten for even brushing
- Sesame seeds: deliver the unmistakable burger bun touch Toast gently for extra nuttiness if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Thaw the Dough:
- Allow your frozen dinner rolls to sit according to the package instructions so they become soft and workable This is crucial for handling and rolling
- Prepare the Filling:
- Combine ground beef onion powder garlic salt salt pepper white onion and dill pickles in a large mixing bowl Mix until just combined to keep the filling tender
- Divide and Stuff:
- Split the meat mixture evenly into 24 pieces Slice the block of American cheese into 24 cubes about half-inch squares Flatten each meat piece in your hand throw a cheese cube in the middle and shape the meat up around the cheese fully encasing it
- Brown the Meat Balls:
- Place stuffed meat balls in a large skillet over medium heat Turn just until all sides are browned but not cooked through This locks in the cheese and intensifies flavor
- Wrap with Dough:
- Roll each thawed dough ball on a lightly floured surface to a circle big enough to fully enclose a meat ball Place a browned meat ball in the center fold the dough around and pinch firmly to seal
- Egg Wash and Top:
- Brush each dough-wrapped bomb with beaten egg making sure to coat tops and sides Sprinkle a generous pinch of sesame seeds onto each one for that burger finish
- Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange bombs seam side down on a parchment-lined rimmed sheet pan Bake at 375 degrees F for eighteen to twenty minutes until golden brown all over and the cheese has melted inside
- Serve Warm:
- Enjoy hot right from the oven with your favorite burger sauce or a tangy special sauce for dipping
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My favorite part of this recipe is the hidden gooey cheese center that always brings a smile when friends break one open Sometimes we double the pickles inside for extra tang and it never disappoints
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in an oven at three hundred twenty five degrees F for about ten minutes so the bread crisps up and the cheese melts again Microwaving works but you lose that fresh-baked texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No American cheese Use mild cheddar for sharpness or mozzarella for stretchy gooey texture For the rolls substitute refrigerated biscuit dough though baking time may vary For extra richness mix a little ketchup or mustard into the beef filling
Serving Suggestions
Pile these bombs high on a platter with bowls of special sauce ranch or spicy mayo for dipping They work great on party skewers for easy grabbing or serve with a fresh salad to make a quick meal out of snack food
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Cultural and Historical Context
These cheeseburger bombs riff off the American love for stuffed breads and classic diner flavors The sesame seed topping nods to legendary fast food burgers while the portable form makes them perfect for modern entertaining or potluck spreads
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the American cheese?
Yes, mild or medium cheddar works well and adds a similar melty texture, while providing a slightly different flavor.
- → Why pan-fry the meat balls before baking?
Pan-frying seals the cheese inside, adds a savory crust, and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
- → How do I keep the dough from opening during baking?
Be sure to firmly pinch and seal the dough at the bottom after wrapping the meatball, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- → Can I use a different type of roll dough?
Frozen dinner rolls are ideal, but homemade or store-bought pizza dough can be used as an alternative.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Try classic Big Mac sauce, traditional burger condiments, or simply ketchup and mustard for dipping.