Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Take a small portion of the shredded cheddar cheese and roll it into tiny balls. Set them aside.
2. Season the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
3. Form the Burger Bites:
Take a small amount of the seasoned beef and flatten it into a disc. Place a cheese ball in the center and wrap the beef around it, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed to form a meatball.
4. Wrap in Bacon:
Wrap each beef ball with half a slice of bacon, securing the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place.
5. Cook the Burger Bites:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the burger bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through.
6. Serve:
Serve the cheese-stuffed bacon burger bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue, or spicy mayo. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family snack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 300 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Variations:
- Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix in finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture or use spicy cheese for an extra layer of heat.
- Alternative Meats: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Stuffed with Other Fillings: Experiment with stuffing these bites with other fillings like cream cheese, blue cheese, or cooked spinach.
Tips:
- Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed: Make sure the beef covers the cheese completely to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Bacon Crispiness: If you like extra crispy bacon, broil the bites for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Skewering: If you don’t have toothpicks, use small wooden skewers to secure the bacon.
- Batch Cooking: You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, depending on the size of your baking sheet.
- Make-Ahead: These burger bites can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking, making them perfect for party prep.