Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs with Smoky Glaze (Print version)
Juicy beef bombs wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheddar, and brushed with a smoky barbecue glaze.
# Ingredients:
For the beef bombs
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
02 -
1/2 cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
4 oz (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 12 cubes
11 -
12 slices thin-cut bacon
For the smoky glaze
12 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) thick BBQ sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon honey
14 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
15 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
02 -
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, panko, egg, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
03 -
Divide the beef mixture into 12 portions. Press one cheddar cube into each portion and seal the beef fully around the cheese.
04 -
Wrap each stuffed beef ball with one slice of bacon. Place seam-side down on the prepared rack.
05 -
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bacon has started to render and the beef is mostly cooked.
06 -
Stir together the BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, Dijon, and smoked paprika. Brush over the bombs and bake 8-10 minutes longer, until sticky and the beef reaches 160 F.
07 -
Let the bombs rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
# Good to know:
01 -
Makes 12 bacon-wrapped bombs, about 2 per serving.
02 -
Use thin-cut bacon for the best balance of crisp edges and fully cooked beef.
03 -
Nutrition is an estimate per serving.