Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are a show-stopping, bite-sized twist on the classic bacon cheeseburger. Imagine all the best elements of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, gooey melted cheese, smoky bacon, and a golden-brown crust—all wrapped up in a fluffy biscuit dough and baked to perfection. These irresistible bombs are perfect for parties, game-day gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a fun, indulgent treat. Easy to prepare and incredibly customizable, Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike. With their savory, cheesy filling and crispy bacon exterior, these portable snacks will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-Sized Perfection: All the deliciousness of a cheeseburger packed into a single, convenient bite.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these fun, handheld treats.
- Customizable: Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings or experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Easy to Make: Using pre-made biscuit dough simplifies the process, making this recipe accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner option alongside a salad or fries.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bombs
- Serving size: 1 bomb
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco or burger seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 12 slices of cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch squares
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked until just crisp but pliable
- 1 tube (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (12 biscuits)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Dipping sauces: ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco or burger seasoning, ketchup, and mustard, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open the biscuit dough and separate it into 12 individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Assemble the Bombs
Place a spoonful of the cooled ground beef mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit. Add a square of cheddar cheese on top of the beef, then fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal. Roll the dough into a smooth ball to ensure no gaps remain.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Take a slice of cooked bacon and wrap it around the sealed dough ball. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon if needed. Repeat with the remaining dough balls and bacon slices.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush each bomb with the beaten egg, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a classic burger look (optional).
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the bacon is crispy. Remove the bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs warm with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. Enjoy their cheesy, beefy, bacon-wrapped goodness!
Ingredient Background
- Ground Beef: The juicy, flavorful base for these bombs. Opt for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic cheeseburger staple, cheddar melts beautifully and provides a sharp, savory contrast to the beef and bacon. Other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss can be substituted.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy exterior that enhances the burger flavor profile. Partially cook the bacon first to ensure it crisps up fully in the oven.
- Biscuit Dough: The soft, buttery dough encases the filling and creates the “bomb” effect. Crescent roll dough or pizza dough can also work as substitutes.
- Seasonings: The addition of ketchup, mustard, and seasoning mix enhances the ground beef mixture, giving it the signature cheeseburger flavor.
Technique Tips
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the dough with filling, as this can cause it to tear or leak during baking.
- Seal the Dough Tightly: Pinch the edges of the dough firmly to prevent any cheese or filling from escaping.
- Pre-Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon just until it’s starting to crisp but still pliable enough to wrap around the bombs. Fully raw bacon may not cook completely in the oven.
- Use a Toothpick: If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, secure it with a toothpick, but remember to remove the toothpick before serving.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Slider Bombs: Serve the bombs in slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a mini bacon cheeseburger experience.
- Loaded Bombs: Top the baked bombs with melted cheese, diced onions, and pickles for a loaded effect.
- BBQ Twist: Mix barbecue sauce into the ground beef mixture and serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Party Platter: Arrange the bombs on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces and fresh veggies for a colorful, shareable appetizer.
Additional Tips for Success
- Let the Filling Cool: Allowing the beef mixture to cool slightly before assembling prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
- Cook Evenly: Space the bombs evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even browning. Use a wire rack if desired for better air circulation.
- Crispier Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, broil the bombs for 1–2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Add Toppings Inside: Include diced pickles, jalapeños, or caramelized onions inside the bombs for additional flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cheeseburger Bombs: Add diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Bombs: Replace ground beef with a plant-based alternative or finely chopped, sautéed mushrooms.
- Breakfast Bombs: Use scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and cheese as the filling, then wrap with bacon for a breakfast-inspired version.
- Italian-Style Bombs: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, use mozzarella cheese, and add marinara sauce to the filling for a pizza-inspired twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the biscuit dough and wrap the ground beef mixture directly in bacon. Bake as directed for a keto-friendly version.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Assemble the bombs and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to retain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey for a lighter filling.
- Turkey Bacon: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content.
- Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat biscuit dough or make your own dough with whole-grain flour for added fiber.
- Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrients.
- Lighter Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheese to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Game Day Snack: Pair with loaded nachos, wings, and onion rings for the ultimate game-day feast.
- Kids’ Party: Serve alongside mini hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and fresh fruit for a fun and kid-friendly spread.
- Casual Dinner: Make it a meal by serving the bombs with a side salad, roasted veggies, or sweet potato fries.
- Potluck Hit: Bring these bombs to a potluck or picnic and watch them disappear! Serve with a variety of dips to cater to different tastes.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet ensures even cooking. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Pastry Brush: Useful for applying the egg wash evenly over the bombs.
- Toothpicks: Handy for securing the bacon around the bombs during baking.
- Wire Rack: Optional for elevating the bombs during baking to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just roll out and cut into circles as needed.
2. Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
If you prefer, you can skip the bacon or use thinly sliced deli meat like ham or prosciutto for wrapping.
3. How can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free biscuit dough and double-check that your seasonings and other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the bombs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
5. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble the bombs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.
6. What dipping sauces work best?
Classic burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are all great options.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try Swiss, gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor.
8. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling and wrap the bacon securely to minimize leaks.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are the ultimate mashup of comfort food and party fare. With their crispy bacon exterior, gooey cheese filling, and juicy burger center, they deliver bold flavors and textures in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these versatile bombs are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to delight a crowd. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips, experiment with variations, and enjoy the fun, delicious experience of Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs!
PrintBacon Cheeseburger Bombs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bombs 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco or burger seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 12 slices of cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch squares
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked until just crisp but pliable
- 1 tube (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (12 biscuits)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Dipping sauces: ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco or burger seasoning, ketchup, and mustard, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open the biscuit dough and separate it into 12 individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Assemble the Bombs
Place a spoonful of the cooled ground beef mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit. Add a square of cheddar cheese on top of the beef, then fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal. Roll the dough into a smooth ball to ensure no gaps remain.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
Take a slice of cooked bacon and wrap it around the sealed dough ball. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon if needed. Repeat with the remaining dough balls and bacon slices.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Place the bacon-wrapped bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush each bomb with the beaten egg, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a classic burger look (optional).
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the bacon is crispy. Remove the bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs warm with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. Enjoy their cheesy, beefy, bacon-wrapped goodness!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g