Okay, gather ’round, because I’m about to spill the beans on my absolute favorite appetizer: Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs! Seriously, these things are pure magic. Imagine perfectly gooey, melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in crispy, smoky bacon, and then *drenched* in my favorite BBQ sauce. I remember making these for the first time for a neighborhood cookout, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could blink! It’s my go-to for a reason – they’re just ridiculously good and so simple to whip up, even if you’re new to grilling like I was when I first tried them.
Why You’ll Love These Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Seriously, these little flavor bombs are a game-changer for any get-together. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- So easy! Prep takes just minutes.
- Total crowd-pleaser – everyone goes nuts for them.
- Perfect party food – they’re bite-sized and delicious.
- Amazing flavor combo – smoky BBQ, salty bacon, and melty cheddar? Yes, please!
Gather Your Ingredients for Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Alright, let’s get our game plan together! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for these flavor bombs, but having the right ingredients makes all the difference. Trust me, I’ve learned that using good quality ingredients really shines through here.
Essential Ingredients for Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Here’s what you’ll need to grab to make these irresistible bites:
Bacon
You want 1 pound of thick-cut bacon for this. Don’t skimp on the thickness; it holds up better and gets that perfect crispy texture. You’ll also need to cut each slice in half lengthwise. It sounds a little fiddly, but it’s crucial for wrapping!
Cheese
Grab 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. I love sharp cheddar because it has a really nice bite that cuts through the richness of the bacon and BBQ. Cut it into nice, chunky 1-inch cubes so you get a good dollop of melty cheese in every bite.
BBQ Rub
We’re using 1/4 cup of BBQ rub here. This is where you can really play around! Use your absolute favorite blend – whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. This gets rolled onto the bacon before cooking, giving it a fantastic crust.
BBQ Sauce
And of course, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce! Again, pick a sauce you love. This is for brushing on during the last few minutes of cooking, adding that sticky, sweet glaze that just takes these bombs over the top.
How to Prepare Your Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Okay, let’s get these little flavor bombs ready to rock! It’s really not complicated, but a few key steps will make sure they turn out perfectly gooey and crispy every single time. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, the process is pretty straightforward.
Preheating and Preparation Steps
First things first, let’s get our cooking station ready. This makes the whole process smoother!
Preheat Your Cooking Method
You’ll want to preheat your grill or oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot – hot enough to crisp up that bacon beautifully without burning it, and just right for melting that cheese into pure, gooey goodness.
Preparing the Cheese and Bacon
Now for the wrapping! Take your thick-cut bacon and cut each slice in half lengthwise. This makes them the perfect size to wrap around the cheese. Then, take your 1-inch cubes of sharp cheddar cheese and wrap one of those bacon half-strips snugly around each one. If the bacon is being a little stubborn and won’t stay put, don’t worry! Just pop a toothpick through it to keep everything secure. This is a lifesaver, trust me.
Assembling and Cooking the Bombs
Once everything is wrapped, we’re on the home stretch!
Applying the BBQ Rub
Now, take those bacon-wrapped cheese cubes and give them a good roll in your BBQ rub. Make sure they’re coated nicely on all sides. This rub is going to add so much amazing flavor and get a little crusty when it cooks.
Cooking the Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Place your beautifully rubbed cheese bombs onto a baking sheet if you’re using the oven, or directly onto your grill rack. We’re going to let them cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that bacon to be perfectly crispy and the cheese inside to be totally melted and starting to ooze out a little. That’s the sign they’re ready!
The Finishing Touch with BBQ Sauce
About 5 minutes before they’re done cooking, it’s time for the magic glaze! Brush your favorite BBQ sauce all over the bacon-wrapped bombs. This gives them that extra sticky, sweet, and smoky kick that just makes them irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Okay, so you’ve made them, and they smell amazing, right? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are absolutely epic every single time.
Selecting Your BBQ Flavors
Don’t be afraid to play with your BBQ rub and sauce! Use your absolute favorites. If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub – it adds a nice warmth without being too spicy.
Baking vs. Grilling Tips
If you’re baking these in the oven, make sure to place your baking sheet on a lower rack. This way, any delicious bacon drippings will fall onto the rack below instead of making a mess in your oven. Trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!
Serving Your Delicious Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
The best part? Serving these beauties up! You want to serve your Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs hot right off the grill or out of the oven. That’s when the cheese is perfectly melty and the bacon is at its crispiest. They’re absolutely fantastic as an appetizer for any party, barbecue, or just a casual get-together. Seriously, watch them disappear – they’re always a massive hit!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs
Got questions about these little flavor bombs? I’ve got you covered!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
If, by some miracle, you have any Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs left over, let them cool completely first. Then, pop them into an airtight container or a resealable bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find popping them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes works best to crisp up the bacon again. You can also use an air fryer!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Oh, absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my favorite because it’s got a great flavor that holds up to the bacon and BBQ, you can totally experiment. Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a good Colby would work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well and is firm enough to be cut into cubes. Avoid super soft cheeses like cream cheese, as they might melt out too quickly!
How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much?
Bacon does shrink, it’s just what it does! But to help keep your wraps snug, make sure you’re using thick-cut bacon, as it’s a bit more forgiving. When you wrap it around the cheese, try to wrap it fairly tightly, and don’t be afraid to use that toothpick to secure the end. Also, cooking them at the right temperature (350°F) helps the fat render out nicely without the bacon shrinking into a tiny, sad crisp before the cheese even melts!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads-up, the nutritional information for these Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs is an estimate. It can really vary depending on the specific brands of bacon, cheese, BBQ rub, and sauce you use, as well as how much fat renders off during cooking. Always consider these numbers as a general guideline!
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Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs: 1 Glorious Bite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped cheddar cheese balls infused with BBQ flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup BBQ rub
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each slice of bacon in half lengthwise.
- Wrap one half-slice of bacon around each cube of cheddar cheese.
- Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
- Roll the bacon-wrapped cheese balls in BBQ rub.
- Place on a baking sheet or grill rack.
- Bake or grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ rub and sauce.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ rub.
- If baking in the oven, place the baking sheet on a lower rack to catch any dripping bacon fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs, bacon-wrapped cheese, BBQ appetizer, party food, easy appetizer