Get ready to discover your new favorite party food: BBQ Bacon Bombs. These incredible bites are everything you could want in an appetizer—juicy, cheesy, smoky, and wrapped in perfectly crispy bacon. They are essentially cheese-stuffed meatballs wrapped in bacon and glazed with your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a backyard barbecue, or just craving a seriously delicious snack, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. We’ll show you how to make them perfectly in the oven, on the smoker, or even in the air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe
This isn’t just another appetizer recipe; it’s a game-changer. What makes these BBQ Bacon Bombs so special is the explosion of flavor in every single bite. We start with a savory meatball mixture, stuff it with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, and then wrap it all in a slice of smoky bacon. The final touch of a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze brings it all together. They are surprisingly easy to assemble, and the result is a mouthwatering appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut can be harder to wrap and takes longer to get crispy.
- Cheddar Cheese: A block of sharp cheddar, cut into cubes, creates the perfect molten cheese center.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite! A sweet and smoky variety works exceptionally well here.
- Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder for the meatballs, keeping them tender and juicy.
- Egg: Helps to bind the meatball mixture together.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to season the meat perfectly.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Bombs (Step-by-Step)
Making these flavor-packed bombs is a straightforward process. We’ll break it down into a few simple stages from mixing to cooking.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions and roll them into balls.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese and Wrap with Bacon
Take one meatball and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully mold the meat around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely sealed. This is the key to preventing cheese leakage! Wrap one slice of bacon around the entire meatball, securing the ends by tucking them under.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection (The 3 Best Ways)
One of the best things about these BBQ Bacon Bombs is their versatility. You can achieve fantastic results using your oven, smoker, or air fryer.
How to Cook Bacon Bombs in the Oven
Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and the bacon to crisp up on all sides. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The bombs are done when the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How to Smoke Bacon Bombs
For an incredible smoky flavor, preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the bacon bombs directly on the grates and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 20-30 minutes. They’re ready when the bacon is rendered and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
How to Make Bacon Bombs in the Air Fryer
Place the bombs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Tips for the Best Bacon Bombs
- Don’t Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It takes too long to cook and won’t get as crispy as regular-cut bacon.
- Seal the Cheese Well: Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the meat mixture to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Use a Wire Rack: For oven and smoker methods, a wire rack is essential for crispy bacon all around.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether in the oven or air fryer, give the bacon bombs space for air to circulate for even cooking.
Flavor Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative! Try stuffing the meatballs with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick, or add a finely diced jalapeño to the meat mixture. You could also mix in different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a new flavor profile.
What to Serve with BBQ Bacon Bombs
These cheesy bacon bombs are a fantastic standalone appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, or go for a truly decadent pairing with a creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip. For a more complete meal, they are excellent alongside classic cookout sides like Southern Macaroni Salad or some delicious Roasted Ranch Potatoes (coming soon). You can even serve them next to a fresh Tomato Garlic Salad (coming soon) for a lighter contrast.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover BBQ Bacon Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon has re-crisped.
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Bacon Bombs
Yes! You can assemble the bacon bombs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving for the best results.
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Ground pork will add a bit more richness, while ground turkey is a leaner option. Both work great as substitutes for ground beef.
The key is to ensure the cheese cube is completely sealed inside the ground beef mixture. When you form the meatball, make sure there are no cracks or gaps for the cheese to escape as it melts.
For food safety, the internal temperature of the ground beef should reach 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
Regular-cut bacon is ideal. It crisps up nicely and cooks in about the same amount of time as the meatball. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it can result in undercooked bacon and overcooked meat.
The Perfect Party Appetizer
This BBQ Bacon Bombs recipe is your ticket to being the star of the next potluck or party. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear! If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!
BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe
BBQ Bacon Bombs: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the meat mixture into 16 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your hand, place a cube of cheese in the center, and form the meat around the cheese to seal it completely.
- Wrap one slice of bacon around each meatball, tucking the ends to secure it.
- Place the bacon bombs on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Glaze and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Ensure the cheese is fully sealed within the meatball to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
