If you’re looking for a savory, cheesy snack that packs all the flavor and crunch, then Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites should be your go-to appetizer! These little morsels of joy are the perfect combination of juicy, seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, planning for game night, or simply craving something indulgent, these burger bites will quickly become a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites
The beauty of these burger bites lies in their simplicity and versatility. Packed with bold flavors and wrapped in crispy bacon, each bite is an explosion of taste and texture. They’re bite-sized, so they’re perfect for parties, and they can easily be prepped ahead of time. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable – add a dash of spice, swap out the cheese, or choose your favorite dipping sauces.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make these delicious treats, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Get ready to create the ultimate appetizer!
Ingredients for Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create an irresistible treat.
- 1 lb ground beef – The base of our burger bites, is juicy and flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The melty, cheesy center that makes these bites truly unforgettable.
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half – Crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch and smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an aromatic depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a savory touch that complements the beef and bacon.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives the burger bites a slight smokiness and rich color.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth.
- Toothpicks – This is used to secure the bacon around each burger bite.
These ingredients work in harmony to deliver a snack that’s rich, savory, and completely satisfying.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites
1. Prepare the Filling – Crafting the Cheesy Surprise
Start by making the star of the show – the cheese filling! Grab the shredded cheddar cheese and take a small portion of it. Roll the cheese into tiny balls, about the size of a marble, and set them aside on a plate or tray. These cheese balls will be the gooey center of your burger bites, so be sure to make enough for every beef ball you prepare.
If you want to get creative, you could also experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cream cheese for added flavor variation. But cheddar’s reliability and flavor are perfect for this recipe!
2. Season the Beef – Infuse Flavor Into Every Bite
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef. You want every bite to have that perfect blend of savory flavors!
This step is crucial, as the seasoning will give the burger bites their unique taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a little heat or experiment with other spices like oregano or thyme.
Once your beef is well-seasoned, it’s time to form the bites!
3. Form the Burger Bites – Encasing the Cheese in Beef
Take a small amount of the seasoned ground beef and flatten it into a disc using your hands. The disc should be about 2-3 inches wide, depending on how big you want your burger bites to be.
Place one of the cheese balls in the center of the beef disc. Then, carefully wrap the beef around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely enclosed. Make sure to seal the edges of the beef so the cheese doesn’t escape while cooking. You should now have a bite-sized meatball with a cheesy center!
Repeat this step with the remaining beef and cheese until you’ve formed all your burger bites.
4. Wrap in Bacon – Crispy, Smoky Goodness
Next, take each of your beef-cheese balls and wrap them with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon around the meatball with a toothpick. The bacon will help hold the beef and cheese together while adding that signature smoky crunch. The toothpicks are essential to ensure everything stays in place during cooking.
Once each burger bite is wrapped in bacon and secured with a toothpick, you’re ready for the oven!
5. Cook the Burger Bites – Achieving Perfectly Crispy Bacon and Juicy Beef
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the bacon-wrapped burger bites on the baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced so they cook properly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden, and the beef is cooked through. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can broil the burger bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
Once cooked, remove the burger bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This gives the cheese time to set and makes them easier to serve.
6. Serve – Enjoy the Ultimate Appetizer!
Once your Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites are ready, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Options like ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo are perfect for complementing the rich flavors of the bacon and beef.
These burger bites are great for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events. They’re small, bite-sized, and packed with flavor – making them the perfect crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites is approximately 300 kcal, so they’re a rich treat but can still fit into a balanced meal plan. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
These bites make for a hearty appetizer without overloading on calories, perfect for anyone watching their intake while still enjoying something indulgent.
Variations and Customizations
The Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways you can customize the flavors to suit your preferences:
- Cheese alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or Swiss for a milder flavor.
- Add some heat: Mix in some jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce into the ground beef for an extra kick.
- Herbs and spices: For extra flavor depth, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the beef mix.
- Use turkey bacon: For a lighter option, swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon. It’s leaner but still gives that smoky flavor.
Feel free to get creative with these burger bites. Your unique twists are sure to make them just as amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these burger bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep these burger bites earlier in the day or even the night before. Once you’ve wrapped the beef around the cheese and secured the bacon, store the bites in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven and follow the instructions as usual.
What other dipping sauces go well with these?
Along with ranch and barbecue, you can also try garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or mustard. Each sauce brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and cheesy filling.
How can I tell if the beef is cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The beef should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one of the bites open to check that the inside is no longer pink.
Can I freeze these burger bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked burger bites for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work great with the bacon and cheese.
Conclusion
Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. With a savory combination of beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, each bite is an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a fun snack, these burger bites are sure to be a hit.
So go ahead, try them out, and let us know what variations you come up with! For more delicious recipes, check out these crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast – Tender & Creamy Recipe
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups – Easy Recipe
- Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos – Perfect Party Snack
Ready to make your next gathering unforgettable? Grab the ingredients and get cooking!
Print
Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites – Perfect Party Appetizer
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites are the perfect blend of savory bacon, juicy beef, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious bite-sized appetizer. Whether for a party, game night, or a family snack, these little morsels are sure to impress!
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Take a small portion of the shredded cheddar cheese and roll it into tiny balls. Set them aside.
- Season the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Form the Burger Bites: Take a small amount of the seasoned ground beef and flatten it into a disc. Place a cheese ball in the center and wrap the beef around it to form a bite-sized meatball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each beef ball with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- 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.
- Serve: Serve these Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist on flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Serving Suggestions: These bites pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a zesty dipping sauce like buffalo or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheese-stuffed bacon bites, bacon burger appetizers, cheesy bacon meatballs, party appetizer recipes, savory appetizers, bacon cheese burger bites