BBQ Bacon Cheddar Bombs (Print-Friendly Version)

Smoky bacon-wrapped beef bites with melted cheddar, ideal for gatherings and casual meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 500 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 60 ml BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 12 cubes

→ Wrapping

06 - 12 slices thick-cut bacon
07 - 12 wooden toothpicks

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix gently by hand until just incorporated to preserve tenderness.
02 - Divide mixture into 12 equal portions, approximately 42 g each. Flatten each portion and enclose a cube of cheddar cheese, shaping into compact meatballs.
03 - Stretch each bacon slice gently using the back of a knife. Wrap one strip securely around each meatball, ensuring full coverage.
04 - Insert a toothpick through each bacon-wrapped meatball to anchor the bacon. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up before cooking.
05 - Preheat oven or grill to 190°C. Arrange bombs on a wire rack over a baking tray or on indirect grill heat.
06 - Cook for 15 minutes, rotate carefully, and brush with extra BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until bacon is deep golden and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 71°C.
07 - Remove toothpicks and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Do not overwork ground beef during mixing to ensure tender results.
02 - Use thick-cut bacon for optimal coverage and crispness.
03 - Insert cheese into the very center of each meatball for maximum melt without leakage.
04 - Rest finished bombs for 3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.