Description
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a game day favorite, combining the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the irresistible taste of bacon and BBQ sauce. Juicy, cheese-stuffed meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a smoky BBQ glaze make the perfect party appetizer for any football gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices of bacon, halved
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat the grill to medium-high.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and press a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball.
- Wrap each meatball with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or grill pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
- In the final 5 minutes, brush the meatballs with BBQ sauce for a flavorful glaze.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For crispy bacon, bake the meatballs on a wire rack so the heat circulates evenly.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or your preferred cheese.
- These meatballs freeze well and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes (oven) or 10-12 minutes (grill)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs, Game Day Meatballs, Football Snacks, Bacon Wrapped Meatballs, Party Appetizer