Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

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Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Shape the Bombs: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, ensuring they are evenly sized.
  4. Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each beef ball. Secure the bacon in place by piercing it with a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling while cooking.
  5. Grill the Bombs: Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the preheated grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is golden and crispy and the meat inside is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the toothpicks before serving, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy goodness of these BBQ bacon bombs!

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ bacon bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow them to cool down completely before storing.
  • Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bacon bombs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, follow the instructions below.

Reheating Tips:

  • Grill: To reheat, place the bacon bombs back on a preheated grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and the bacon is crispy.
  • Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual bacon bombs for 30-45 seconds or until heated thoroughly, though this may not keep the bacon as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but the flavor will be lighter. You may need to add extra seasoning for more depth.
  2. Can I make these BBQ bacon bombs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs, wrap them in bacon, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
  3. What BBQ sauce should I use? Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties all work well depending on your taste preference.
  4. Can I bake these instead of grilling? Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. How do I know when the bacon bombs are done? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. The bacon should also be crispy.
  6. Can I freeze the uncooked bacon bombs? Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Simply freeze them individually on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  7. How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling while grilling? Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place while cooking.
  8. Can I use other cheeses in these bacon bombs? Yes, cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can work well for different flavor profiles.
  9. Are these bacon bombs spicy? They aren’t spicy by default, but you can add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a hot BBQ sauce to spice them up.
  10. Can I cook these in a smoker? Yes, smoking them would add extra flavor. Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and smoke for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  11. Can I use a skillet to cook them indoors? Yes, you can sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat, turning them frequently until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
  12. Can I substitute the BBQ sauce with something else? You could substitute BBQ sauce with a combination of ketchup, mustard, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy alternative.
  13. Do I need to cook the bacon before wrapping it? No, you don’t need to pre-cook the bacon; it will cook perfectly as it wraps around the meatballs.
  14. What do I serve these bacon bombs with? These are great served with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, potato salad, or even on a bun as a burger.
  15. Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon? Thick-cut bacon works better as it holds up better to grilling, but regular bacon will still work if that’s what you have.
  16. How do I prevent flare-ups while grilling? Keep an eye on the bacon bombs while grilling and avoid placing them directly over high flames. Use indirect heat if necessary.
  17. How can I add a smoky flavor to these? You can use a smoker, add wood chips to your grill, or use smoked salt to enhance the smoky flavor.
  18. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
  19. Can I make these without cheese? Yes, if you prefer no cheese, you can skip the cheddar and still have delicious BBQ bacon-wrapped beef bombs.
  20. How do I make these more kid-friendly? Use mild BBQ sauce and skip any spicy seasonings to make them more suitable for children.
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