Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape mixture into small balls. Press a cube of cheddar into the center of each and seal well.
4. Wrap each meatball with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
5. Arrange bacon bombs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crisp and beef is cooked through.
6. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
7. Serve hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese inside or sprinkle cayenne into the beef mixture.
• Sweet & Smoky: Swap your BBQ sauce for a honey bourbon glaze.
• Cheese Lovers: Try stuffing with mozzarella or gouda for a gooier center.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

Tips:

• Seal the beef tightly around the cheese to prevent it from leaking out while baking.
• For extra crispiness, place the bombs on a wire rack set over the baking sheet so the bacon cooks evenly.
• If grilling, cook over indirect heat first, then finish with direct heat to crisp the bacon.
• Serve them skewered with toothpicks for easy party sharing.

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser—smoky, cheesy, and irresistibly glazed, perfect for any occasion.