Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites are juicy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped meatballs glazed in barbecue sauce for the ultimate party appetizer.
If you love bold, smoky flavors and gooey cheese pulls, these little bacon-wrapped meatballs will be right at home in your kitchen. Every bite hits you with tender beef, melty cheddar, and a tangy barbecue finish.
They’re just the thing for game day spreads, backyard cookouts, or holiday appetizer trays. You prep a single sheet pan, slide it into the oven, and watch everyone hover until they’re cool enough to grab.
Even better, the ingredients are simple and flexible. You can tweak the seasoning, play with different barbecue sauces, and prep them ahead so you’re not scrambling when guests walk through the door.
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the core ingredients that make these Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites so irresistible, plus why each one matters.
- Ground beef (80/20) – Provides juicy, flavorful meatballs that stay tender instead of drying out in the oven.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cubes or shreds melt into a gooey, cheesy center that oozes when you bite in.
- Egg – Binds the meat mixture so the bombs hold their shape while baking.
- Breadcrumbs – Help soak up moisture and keep the texture light rather than dense and tough.
- Milk – Softens the breadcrumbs and adds a touch of richness to the meat mixture.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings savory depth and that classic meatball aroma.
- Onion powder – Adds gentle onion flavor without extra chopping or excess moisture.
- Smoked paprika – Boosts the smoky profile and gives the bombs a gorgeous, deep color.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into balance.
- Bacon – Thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully and wraps everything in smoky, salty goodness.
- Barbecue sauce – Brushed on before and after baking for a sticky, tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
Cooking Steps
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Cut the cheddar into small cubes if you’re not using shreds and set aside.
STEP 2: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is just blended without compacting the meat.
STEP 3: Divide the seasoned beef into 12 even portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a cheddar cube in the center, and carefully wrap the beef around it, sealing any seams so the cheese stays tucked inside.
STEP 4: Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly and tucking the ends underneath. If needed, secure with toothpicks, then arrange the bacon bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
STEP 5: Brush each bacon bomb lightly with barbecue sauce, coating the tops and sides. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway through so the bacon cooks and browns evenly.
STEP 6: Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is nicely crisped. Let the Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites rest a few minutes, then brush with a little extra warm barbecue sauce before serving.
Pro Tips for Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites
- For neater bacon bombs, chill the stuffed meatballs for 15–20 minutes before wrapping in bacon. They’ll be firmer and easier to handle.
- Choose thin-cut bacon so it can crisp fully by the time the meat is cooked through. Thick slices often stay rubbery.
- If you love very crispy bacon, place the bombs on a wire rack set over the baking sheet so fat can drip away and heat circulates all around.
Perfect Pairings
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites are rich and hearty, so pairing them with fresh and simple sides helps keep your spread balanced.
- Serve with a crisp veggie platter and ranch or blue cheese dip to cut through the richness and add some crunch.
- Add a big bowl of coleslaw or a tangy cabbage salad; the acidity complements the smoky, sweet barbecue glaze beautifully.
- Round out a game-day table with potato wedges, fries, or baked potato skins so guests can turn these bacon bombs into a mini meal.
Can I make these bacon bombs ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the stuffed and wrapped bacon bombs, then refrigerate them on a tray for up to 24 hours. Brush with barbecue sauce just before baking so the bacon doesn’t get soggy.
Can I cook Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites in an air fryer?
You can. Arrange them in a single layer and air fry at about 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once. Check they reach 160°F (71°C) before serving.
How spicy are these bacon bombs?
They’re generally mild, with smoky flavor more than heat. To keep them kid-friendly, skip extra chili flakes. For spice lovers, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
A thicker, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce clings nicely and caramelizes well. Use your favorite store-bought sauce, then tweak the vibe with a splash of hot sauce or extra vinegar if you like more tang.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftover Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites store well, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over a couple of days.
Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) until hot in the center and the bacon re-crisps, usually 10–12 minutes.
They also freeze nicely. Arrange cooled bacon bombs on a tray, freeze until firm, then move to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed in the oven or an air fryer so you keep that crisp, smoky exterior and melty cheese inside.
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bomb Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup of your preferred barbecue sauce with more set aside for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon of aromatic black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground smoked paprika
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs either seasoned or unseasoned
- 12 slices of thin-sliced bacon ideal for crisping
- 1½ pounds of ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Approximately 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese shredded or cut into 12 bite-sized cubes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cheese. If using block cheddar, slice into 12 uniform chunks. Set aside for stuffing.
- In a sizable mixing bowl, blend together the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix just until the ingredients are fully incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep the meat tender.
- Divide the seasoned meat blend into 12 even portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, nestle a piece of cheddar in the center, then encase the cheese entirely with the beef to form a round meatball.
- Take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each meatball, securing the ends beneath the ball or using a toothpick to hold it in place.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites evenly on the tray. Using a brush, apply a light coating of barbecue sauce to each one.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, rotating them halfway through the cooking process, until the bacon is rendered crisp and the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Just before serving, brush the warm bacon bombs with an additional layer of barbecue sauce for a glossy finish, if desired. Serve hot.