Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Are you ready to explode with flavor? Forget ordinary burgers! We’re talking about Cheeseburger Bombs – little pockets of pure deliciousness that combine everything you love about a cheeseburger into a single, bite-sized sensation. And because everything is better with bacon, we’re adding crispy, smoky bacon to the mix. These Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun weeknight dinner. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to become a Cheeseburger Bomb master!

## What Are Cheeseburger Bombs?

Cheeseburger Bombs are essentially mini, enclosed cheeseburgers baked to golden perfection. Imagine all the classic cheeseburger components – juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings – encased in a soft, doughy exterior. Think of them like savory dumplings, only filled with cheeseburger goodness. Adding bacon elevates them to the next level, providing a salty, crispy counterpoint to the savory beef and cheese.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Don’t let the name intimidate you. These bombs are surprisingly simple to prepare. We’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to swap out ingredients, add your favorite toppings, and experiment with different flavor combinations.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** Cheeseburger Bombs are ideal for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. They’re easy to eat and always a hit.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even the pickiest eaters will love these little bombs of flavor. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble these ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making them a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)
* **Bacon:** 8-10 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese, like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack)
* **Pizza Dough:** 1 can (13.8 oz) of refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough (or homemade pizza dough)
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon
* **Ketchup:** 2 tablespoons
* **Mustard:** 1 tablespoon (yellow or Dijon)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* **Sesame Seeds:** For topping (optional)
* **Your Favorite Toppings:** (Optional) Diced pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, jalapeños, etc.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
* Pizza cutter or knife
* Small bowl for egg wash
* Pastry brush

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs:

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or microwave). Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef**

* In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

**Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 4: Prepare the Pizza Dough**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional, but it makes cleanup easier).
* Unroll the pizza dough or crescent roll dough onto a clean surface.
* If using pizza dough, use a pizza cutter or knife to cut it into 12 equal squares.
* If using crescent roll dough, separate the triangles along the perforations.

**Step 5: Assemble the Cheeseburger Bombs**

* Take one square or triangle of dough and flatten it slightly with your fingers.
* Place a generous spoonful of the ground beef mixture in the center of the dough.
* Carefully bring the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them together to seal the bomb tightly. Make sure there are no gaps, or the cheese will leak out during baking.
* Place the sealed bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
* Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

**Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash and Bake**

* In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.
* Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color and a slight sheen.
* Sprinkle the tops of the bombs with sesame seeds (optional).
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Let the cheeseburger bombs cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
* Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
* Optional: Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions or jalapenos.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
* **Meat Variations:** You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Add Veggies:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the ground beef mixture.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Get creative with your dipping sauces! Try sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or a homemade cheese sauce.
* **Make it a Pizza Bomb:** Add pepperoni and marinara sauce to the filling for a pizza-inspired twist.
* **Hawaiian Bomb:** Add pineapple and ham to the mixture
* **Use Different Dough:** Crescent roll dough makes a flakier bomb, while homemade pizza dough gives a chewier texture. Pre-made biscuit dough can also be used.
* **Air Fryer:** These can be cooked in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cooking times may vary.
* **Make them Mini:** Use smaller dough squares for bite-sized appetizers.
* **Bacon Weave:** For extra bacon goodness, weave bacon strips together and use that to wrap each bomb before baking.
* **Stuffing Ideas:** Chopped jalapenos for heat. Caramelized onions for sweetness. Different types of cheese, like pepper jack. Fried or grilled mushrooms.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Cheeseburger Bombs can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:

* Assemble the bombs according to the recipe instructions.
* Place the unbaked bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and let the bombs sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
* Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover cheeseburger bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the baked cheeseburger bombs. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them.

## Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger Bombs are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Dipping Sauces:** Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli.
* **Sides:** Serve them with classic burger sides like French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or potato salad.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the cheeseburger bombs.
* **Pickles:** Offer a selection of pickles, such as dill pickles, sweet pickles, or spicy pickles.
* **Toppings Bar:** Set up a toppings bar with diced pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, jalapeños, and other burger favorites.
* **Sliders:** Make them mini and serve them as sliders on small buns.
* **Party Platter:** Arrange the cheeseburger bombs on a platter with various dipping sauces and toppings for a visually appealing and interactive appetizer.

## Nutritional Information (Estimated)

* Calories: Approximately 250-300 per bomb (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

_Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used._

## Conclusion

These Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs are a fun, flavorful, and customizable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory filling, crispy bacon, and soft, doughy exterior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to explode with flavor! Happy cooking!