Name: Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs That’ll Blow Your Mind
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 49 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or sausage if you want a spicy twist); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that melty, gooey center); 12 slices thick-cut bacon (crispy on the outside, savory perfection); 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky glaze to finish it off); 1 tsp garlic powder (adds a bold, savory depth); Salt & pepper to taste (essential for flavor balance); Optional: (diced jalapeños or green onions (for an extra kick and flavor burst))

The ultimate cheesy, smoky, meaty appetizer for any occasion.

Close-up of a crispy BBQ bacon bomb with melted cheddar cheese oozing from the center.

Have you ever bitten into something so good, you just had to stop and savor it? That’s what happens when you try these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs. They’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with smoky, cheesy, BBQ flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game day, a backyard BBQ, or just want something epic for movie night, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. And if you’re looking to turn the fun into a full meal, try serving them alongside this easy Taco Rice recipe: it’s bold, hearty, and makes the perfect match.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make 12 delicious bacon bombs:

1 lb ground beef (or sausage for a little spice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: diced jalapeños or green onions for extra kick

Ingredient Swaps:

Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
Use turkey bacon if you’re cutting down on fat.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Fast, easy, and way more fun than regular appetizers.

How to Make Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

1. Mix Up the Filling

Hands mixing ground beef, shredded cheddar, and spices in a large glass bowl on a light kitchen counter, cheese visibly blended into the meat.

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands, it’s messy, but that’s part of the fun.

Pro Tip: Add some diced jalapeños here if you like it spicy.

2. Form the Bombs

Close-up of a hand flattening ground meat in the palm, adding BBQ sauce and a cube of cheddar to the center, with clean kitchen countertop underneath.

Grab a golf ball-sized amount of the meat mixture. Flatten it in your hand, spoon in a little BBQ sauce, then wrap the meat around the sauce and seal it into a ball.

Flavor Boost: Add a tiny cube of cheddar in the center for extra cheesy goodness.

3. Wrap in Bacon

Overhead view of a bacon-wrapped meatball on a cutting board, one hand folding bacon ends under, toothpicks nearby, with stacked bacon slices in background.

Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball. Tuck in the ends or use a toothpick to secure.

Bacon Tip: Overlap the bacon slightly, it gets crispier that way.

4. Bake or Grill

Bacon bombs baking in an oven on a metal rack, sizzling and starting to crisp while a silicone brush applies BBQ glaze on top.

Preheat your oven or grill to 375°F (190°C). Place the bombs on a baking sheet or grill rack. If you love grilled meals, you’ll also enjoy these Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs, perfect for summer cookouts and packed with flavor.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the inside is fully cooked.

Sticky Finish: Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes for a sweet, sticky glaze.

5. Let Them Rest & Serve

Close-up of hot bacon bombs on a wooden serving board, steam rising, cheese oozing slightly, garnished with parsley and a bowl of BBQ sauce beside.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so the cheese doesn’t burn your mouth.

Serve With: Extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a side of coleslaw. You can even toss them on slider buns with pickles for an epic mini sandwich.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

Season well. Don’t skip salt, cheese helps, but beef needs flavor.
Want crispy bacon? Par-cook your bacon a little before wrapping.
Give them space. Don’t overcrowd the pan, spread them out to get that crispy outer layer.

How to Store & Reheat

“Bacon bombs arranged on a party platter with slider buns, pickles, and BBQ drizzle, with toothpicks, slaw, and ranch dressing on the side; festive setup in background

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap each one individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist.

Healthier Options

Trying to keep things a bit lighter? Here are some swaps:

Use lean meat like ground turkey or chicken
Go with turkey bacon to reduce fat
Add veggies like chopped spinach or bell peppers to the filling
Check your BBQ sauce for sugar or gluten if needed.

Fun Ways to Serve These Bacon Bombs

On skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell pepper chunks
With coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy side
Inside sliders with pickles and more sauce
Planning a full spread? Serve these bacon bombs with a simple side like coleslaw or pair them with our juicy Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs for the ultimate comfort meal.

Conclusion

These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs aren’t just a snack they’re a flavor explosion. Smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and juicy beef wrapped into crispy, melty bites that disappear fast. Whether you serve them at parties, cookouts, or just treat yourself, they bring the wow factor with every bite. Once you make them, you’ll be everyone’s favorite host guaranteed.

FAQs

Yes, Just bake them at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or use spicy BBQ sauce.

Totally use plant-based meat and skip the bacon. Find a vegetarian BBQ sauce too.

Yes, shape and wrap them a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until ready to cook.