
Juicy beef patties stuffed with molten cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, and glazed with a bold BBQ sauceโgrilled or baked to perfection for an explosion of flavor!
๐ Ingredients:
๐ฅฉ The Beef Bombs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) โ The perfect fat ratio for juicy burgers.
- 1 tsp salt โ Enhances the meatโs natural flavor.
- ยฝ tsp black pepper โ For a bold bite.
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika โ Adds a smoky depth.
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder โ Essential for richness.
- ยฝ tsp onion powder โ Brings out a savory taste.
- ยฝ tsp Worcestershire sauce โ Umami booster.
๐ง The Melty Cheese Core:
- ยฝ cup shredded cheddar cheese โ Classic gooey goodness.
- ยผ cup pepper jack cheese โ Adds a hint of heat.
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened) โ Makes it extra creamy.
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) โ For spice lovers.
๐ฅ The Bacon Wrap & Glaze:
- 6-8 strips of thick-cut bacon โ For a crispy, smoky exterior.
- ยฝ cup BBQ sauce โ Sweet, smoky, and sticky.
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar โ Enhances caramelization.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard โ Adds a tangy balance.
๐ฅ Step-by-Step Cooking Process:
1๏ธโฃ Preparing the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, mix cheddar, pepper jack, cream cheese, and red pepper flakes.
- Form small cheese balls (about 1 tbsp each) and freeze for 10-15 minutes.
2๏ธโฃ Making the Beef Patties
- In another bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Divide the beef into 6 equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a thin patty and place a frozen cheese ball in the center.
- Carefully wrap the beef around the cheese, sealing all edges to form a round โbeef bomb.โ
3๏ธโฃ Wrapping in Bacon & Glazing
- Wrap each beef bomb with 1-2 strips of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and Dijon mustard.
4๏ธโฃ Cooking Methods
๐ฅ Grilling (Best for Smoky Flavor!)
- Preheat grill to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) (medium heat).
- Place beef bombs on the grill, turning every 5-7 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ glaze during the last 5 minutes.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the beef reaches 160ยฐF (71ยฐC) internal temperature.
๐ฅ Baking (For a Mess-Free Option!)
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Place beef bombs on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, brushing with BBQ glaze in the last 10 minutes.
- Broil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the bacon.
๐ฝ Serving Suggestions:
- Loaded mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries.
- Garlic butter green beans or grilled asparagus.
- Spicy jalapeรฑo ranch dip for extra heat.
๐ฅ Pro Tips for the Ultimate Beef Bombs:
โ Freezing the cheese filling prevents leaks while cooking.
โ Use indirect heat on the grill to avoid bacon burning before the beef cooks through.
โ For a whiskey twist, add 1 tbsp bourbon to the BBQ glaze.
โ Make it spicy by using a habanero-infused BBQ sauce.