These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are like the ultimate savory bite-sized snack, combining the best of a cheeseburger with crispy bacon and flaky biscuit dough. Whether you choose the fried version or the baked version, these little “bombs” are a surefire crowd-pleaser! Here’s your recipe in detail:
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Submitted by: CentsLess Deals
These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs combine all your favorite cheeseburger flavors into an irresistible, bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits (Original or Buttermilk variety)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean), cooked, or 16 frozen meatballs (thawed)
- 1 block (8oz) Cheddar cheese, cut into 16 cubes
- 16 slices of bacon
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
- Canola oil for frying (optional, if you want to fry instead of bake)
Directions:
Prep the Biscuits and Filling:
- Separate the Biscuits:
- Open the can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits and separate the dough into 8 biscuits.
- Cut each biscuit in half to create 16 smaller rounds.
- Gently press each half with your hands into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.
- Prepare the Filling:
- For each biscuit round, place 2 tablespoons of cooked ground beef or 1 thawed cooked meatball in the center.
- Add 1 cube of cheddar cheese on top of the meat.
(Note: If you use cooked meatballs, just break them up slightly so they fit inside the dough.)
- Seal the Biscuits:
- Fold the edges of the biscuit dough around the filling, completely enclosing the beef and cheese.
- Pinch the seams tightly to seal.
Fried Version:
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each stuffed dough “bomb” with a slice of bacon.
- Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the bacon and halfway into the dough (so it stays in place during frying).
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat canola oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Meatballs:
- Fry the bacon-wrapped stuffed “bombs” in batches, about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the dough is golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
- Repeat:
- Continue frying the remaining « bombs » until they’re all golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce).
Baked Version:
- Partially Cook the Bacon:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bacon slices on a foil-lined cookie sheet with sides.
- Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes to partially cook the bacon (it should still be flexible but not crispy).
- Wrap Each Biscuit:
- Once the bacon is partially cooked, wrap each stuffed “bomb” with 1 slice of bacon.
- Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped biscuit dough on a foil-lined baking sheet with the seam side down.
- Arrange them 2 inches apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake the bacon-wrapped “bombs” in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the bacon is fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips:
- Freezer Friendly: You can make these ahead of time and freeze them before frying or baking. Just wrap the bacon around the biscuit bombs, secure with toothpicks, and freeze them. When ready, bake or fry from frozen (may need a few extra minutes).
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: These are great on their own, but a dipping sauce like BBQ sauce, ranch, ketchup, or mustard makes them even better!
- Meat Substitutes: Try using turkey or chicken sausage as a substitute for ground beef if you want a leaner option.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the biscuit bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
FAQ:
Q1: Can I bake these without frying them first?
- Yes, you can. If you prefer a healthier option or don’t want to fry, simply bake the bacon-wrapped biscuit bombs as described in the baked version. They’ll turn out just as delicious!
Q2: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to wrap the bombs, but the texture won’t be as crispy as frying the raw bacon. For crispy bacon, it’s best to partially cook the bacon yourself before wrapping it.
Q3: Can I use any cheese besides cheddar?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, American cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Conclusion:
These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a fun, flavor-packed appetizer or main dish, with a cheesy surprise in every bite. Whether you fry or bake them, they’re sure to impress anyone you serve them to. Try these at your next party or family dinner—everyone will love them!
Let me know how they turn out if you give them a try! Enjoy! 🍔🥓