A savory explosion of flavors! These Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs combine juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, sweet onion, and melty cheddar cheese into one unforgettable bite. Perfect for game day, barbecues, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized yellow onions, outer 2 layers of each onion
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93%-7% blend)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s original recommended)
- 3 tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s original recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cheddar cheese cubes (1-inch sized)
- 16 pieces center-cut smoked bacon
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the top and bottom off each onion. Peel off the outer skin layer. Slice onions in half (top to bottom) and remove the two outer layers. You will have 8 sets of onion halves. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or hands to mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Step 4: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions.
Step 5: Flatten each meat portion in your palm into a 3-4 inch disc. Add a cheddar cheese cube to the center, wrapping the meat around it to form a sealed meatball.
Step 6: Cover the meatball with two onion halves, ensuring most of the surface is wrapped. Adjust onion size as needed for a snug fit.
Step 7: Lay two bacon slices in an X-pattern, place the onion bomb in the center, and wrap the bacon around it. Secure with a toothpick if required.
Step 8: Place the bacon-wrapped onion bomb onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process for all 8 portions.
Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
Step 10: Remove onion bombs from the oven and brush the tops and sides with the remaining ⅓ cup barbecue sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
Step 11: Allow the onion bombs to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet onion, smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and tangy barbecue sauce is a taste sensation.
- Impressive Presentation: These bombs look fantastic and are sure to wow your guests.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different cheeses, sauces, or ground meats.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These are a guaranteed hit at parties and potlucks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
- Offer them as appetizers at your next barbecue.
- Pair them with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160-165°F.
- If the bacon is not crisping up enough, broil the onion bombs for the last few minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
- Use different cheese such as pepper jack, or Gouda for other taste sensations.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 40-45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per bomb
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
These Bacon Cheddar Onion Bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re fun to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try, and you’ll be hooked!
DRINK Rating:
Pairs perfectly with:
- Iced Tea
- Light Beer
- Root Beer
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken would also work well in this recipe.
Q2: What if I don’t have cheddar cheese cubes? A: You can use shredded cheddar cheese instead. Just make sure to wrap the meat tightly around it to prevent it from melting out during cooking.
Q3: Can I prepare these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the onion bombs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the barbecue sauce just before baking.
Q4: What’s the best way to prevent the bacon from falling off? A: Securing the bacon with toothpicks is a great way to keep it in place. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.
Q5: Can I grill these instead of baking them? A: Yes, you can grill them over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ground beef is cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
