Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to game day, tailgates, or any casual get-together, you need food that’s easy to eat, packed with flavor, and disappears fast. Today, we’re talking about the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs! Imagine juicy mini-burgers, stuffed with gooey melted cheddar, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with tangy BBQ sauce. These aren’t just snacks; they’re explosions of flavor in every bite, guaranteed to be the MVP of your next gathering!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes everything great about a burger and condenses it into a fun, bite-sized “bomb.” The surprise of the melted cheddar cheese cube inside is pure joy, and let’s be honest, everything is better wrapped in bacon! The addition of onions and pickles in the patty mixture gives that classic burger flavor, while the BBQ sauce glaze adds a fantastic sticky, sweet, and savory finish. They’re perfect for prepping ahead and then baking just before guests arrive. If you’re looking for other easy, crowd-pleasing snacks, you’ll also love my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears or these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these explosive Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the patty mixture)
• 1/4 cup diced onions (finely diced)
• 1/4 cup diced pickles (dill pickles work best)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 8 slices bacon (regular or thin-cut)
• 8 small cubes of cheddar cheese (about 1/2-inch cubes, for stuffing)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
• Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

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Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: You can experiment with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a different flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give a slightly lighter texture to the patty. Regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
• Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a pepper jack cube for a little kick inside the bomb.
• Onions/Pickles: Fine dicing is key here so they incorporate well into the burger mixture. If you’re not a fan of pickles, you can omit them or replace them with a tiny bit of relish.
• Bacon: Regular or thin-cut bacon wraps easier around the balls. If using thick-cut, you might need to stretch it slightly. Cook it to your desired crispiness; it will crisp up more in the oven.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce – smoky, sweet, or spicy. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire for extra flavor.
• Garlic Powder/Seasoning: Adjust to taste. A pinch of onion powder could also be a nice addition.

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Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese (for the mix), diced onions, diced pickles, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
2. Form and Stuff the Bombs: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal-sized portions. Flatten each portion into a small patty (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Place one of the small cubes of cheddar cheese in the center of each flattened patty. Carefully wrap the beef mixture around the cheese cube, pinching and sealing the edges to form a perfectly sealed ball.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Take one slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each beef ball, ensuring it covers as much of the ball as possible. Secure the bacon with a toothpick (or two, if needed) to hold it in place during baking.
4. Bake the Bombs: Place the bacon-wrapped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup!). Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through to your desired doneness (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for ground beef).
5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Once the bombs are cooked and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the oven. Using a pastry brush, liberally brush each bomb with BBQ sauce.
6. Serve: Remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy these incredibly delicious Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs hot at your next game day gathering!

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ground beef mixture, mix just until ingredients are incorporated to keep the bombs tender and juicy.
• Seal the Cheese: Make sure the cheese cube is fully enclosed within the beef patty to prevent it from melting out during baking.
• Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, you can pre-cook the bacon halfway before wrapping, or increase the baking time slightly.
• Uniform Size: Try to make the balls the same size so they cook evenly.
• Rest (Optional): Let the cooked bombs rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs are a fantastic appetizer on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other game day favorites. Consider serving them with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, or even some ranch dressing. They’d be perfect alongside a batch of my Beer Cheese Dip or alongside some Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a full spread of deliciousness. For drinks, cold sodas, iced tea, or a variety of beers would be excellent complements.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These burger bombs are definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend using an air fryer or a toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. Microwaving is an option, but the bacon won’t be as crispy.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the fun and flavorful nature of these Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!

• For another indulgent “bomb” experience (this time on the sweet side!), check out my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs.
• And if you’re looking for more easy, cheesy options for a crowd, don’t miss these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Final Thoughts

These Tailgate Bacon Burger Bombs are a testament to how creative and delicious game day food can be. They’re packed with classic burger flavor, elevated by crispy bacon and a cheesy surprise, all in a convenient, poppable form. They’re sure to be a major hit and disappear fast at your next gathering!

I hope you bring these bombs to your next tailgate! What are your go-to game day appetizers? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!