Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs offer a flavorful combination of juicy ground beef wrapped around gooey cheddar cheese and hugged by smoky bacon. Each bite is lightly glazed with BBQ sauce for a tangy finish and baked until perfectly crisp. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or family gatherings, enjoyed fresh from the oven. The blend of savory meats, melty cheese, and sweet-tangy glaze delivers a satisfying experience—easy to serve and sure to please a crowd. They're simple to prepare yet packed with comforting, bold flavors everyone loves.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:57:16 GMT
Meatballs with cheese and bacon on a white plate. Pin it
Meatballs with cheese and bacon on a white plate. | gracefulflavors.com

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are that knockout party snack your friends will remember. Ground beef forms the juicy base, cheddar hides in the middle, with bacon wrapping everything up before a sticky BBQ glaze ties it all together. These are always the first thing gone at my family get togethers and a must for game day.

My family asks for these at every birthday and barbecue. I love sneaking into the kitchen with my son to sneak a cheese cube as we build the bombs.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: gives a rich and sturdy base Pick fresh ground chuck for extra flavor
  • Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture and keep it light Use fine dry or fresh for best texture
  • Egg: holds everything together and makes the bombs moist Choose large farm eggs for freshness
  • Salt: brings out all the savory notes Use sea salt for depth
  • Black pepper: adds a gentle heat Fresh cracked works best
  • Garlic powder: infuses subtle savor Look for pure garlic powder
  • Onion powder: balances with sweet undertones Buy one without fillers for clean flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly in the center Sharp cheddar tastes bolder
  • Beef bacon: wraps for smoky flavor Thick cut crisps up better in the oven
  • BBQ sauce: finishes with tangy sweetness Smoky or spicy sauces both work

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl use your hands to combine the ground beef breadcrumbs egg salt black pepper garlic powder and onion powder Really work the mixture until smooth and even This helps prevent the bombs from crumbling later
Shape and Fill:
Pinch off enough meat mixture for one bomb Flatten in your palm and tuck a generous pinch of cheddar into the center Shape the meat around the cheese sealing well so none can escape These should be slightly larger than a golf ball
Wrap in Bacon:
Take a slice of beef bacon and gently stretch it before wrapping it snugly around each bomb Tuck the ends underneath so they stay in place as they cook
Arrange and Glaze:
Set each bacon-wrapped bomb seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet Brush each one with a thin layer of BBQ sauce to start building the glaze
Bake to Perfection:
Place the tray in a preheated 375 degree oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes brushing on a bit more BBQ sauce halfway through The bombs are done when the bacon is crisp and the meat reaches one hundred sixty degrees inside
Serve:
These are best enjoyed hot straight from the oven Serve them with extra BBQ sauce for dipping if you like
Bacon wrapped meatballs on a wooden board. Pin it
Bacon wrapped meatballs on a wooden board. | gracefulflavors.com

The melty cheese center has always made these bombs a favorite at my family’s Super Bowl parties My dad once asked if I could make a double batch just for him because he could not get enough of the smoky bacon and cheddar combo

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crispy If you want to freeze make sure to let them cool completely first then wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different twist If you don’t eat beef use ground turkey or chicken instead Pork bacon works just as well if you’re not beef only

Serving suggestions

Serve these on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing They pair perfectly with tangy coleslaw fresh pickles or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick Sometimes I like to tuck these into slider buns with a little lettuce and tomato for a heartier snack

Bacon wrapped meat on a plate. Pin it
Bacon wrapped meat on a plate. | gracefulflavors.com

Party food roots

Bacon wrapped delights have been the star of festive tables from Midwest potlucks to backyard BBQs These bombs are a playful nod to traditional meatball appetizers but bringing in American BBQ flavors with cheesy surprise inside

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the cheddar is fully encased in the beef mixture, then wrap securely with bacon before baking.

→ Can I use regular pork bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes, pork or turkey bacon both work well and can add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

→ What kind of BBQ sauce is best for glazing?

Use your preferred BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy varieties all complement the savory meat and cheese.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Form the bombs ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best results.

→ What side dishes pair well with these bacon bombs?

Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, or a crisp salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors.

→ How do I know when they're fully cooked?

Check that the bacon is crispy and a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) at the center.

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Savory ground beef bites stuffed with cheddar, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with BBQ—ideal for sharing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 stuffed bacon bombs)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Mixture

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 1 large egg
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Filling and Exterior

08 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 8 slices beef bacon
10 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully integrated.

Step 03

Divide the meat mixture into eight portions. Flatten each piece and enclose shredded cheddar cheese in the center, shaping into balls to seal the cheese inside.

Step 04

Wrap each stuffed ball with a slice of beef bacon, securing the ends underneath.

Step 05

Place bacon-wrapped bombs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush each bomb with barbecue sauce to coat evenly.

Step 06

Transfer to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.

Step 07

Remove from oven and serve hot.

Notes

  1. For optimal texture, use thick-cut bacon and verify internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
  2. Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to personal preference.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Brush
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 19 g