Introduction: A Cheesy, Savory Delight

Get ready for an explosion of flavors with these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs! These little bite-sized bombs are filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and covered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. They are crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Think of them as the love child of a hamburger and a cheesy breadstick, but with a little extra garlic kick to send your taste buds over the top. If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, garlic bread, and Parmesan cheese, then these bombs will quickly become your go-to snack. Let’s dive in and see how to make these cheesy, savory bites.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey if you prefer)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use regular or panko breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese of your choice)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheeseburger Meatballs

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 finely diced small onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
  3. Add 1 cup breadcrumbs and 1 large egg to the mixture. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully incorporated into the beef mixture. This will help the meatballs stay together and provide some extra texture.
  4. Shape the meatballs: Take small amounts of the meat mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
  5. Stuff with cheese: To create the cheesy center, use your finger to make a small indentation in the center of each meatball. Insert 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese into each indentation and then close the meat around the cheese, sealing it inside. This will ensure that the cheese melts perfectly within the meatball as it cooks.
  6. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. While the meatballs are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Once melted, add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
  3. Continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
  4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

  1. Once the meatballs are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the garlic Parmesan sauce over each meatball, ensuring each one is coated in the savory, cheesy sauce.
  2. If desired, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs for an added cheesy kick.
  3. Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs hot, straight out of the oven. They’re perfect on their own or served alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor. You can also serve them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (per bomb)

Each Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bomb is a perfect blend of rich flavors and savory goodness. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each bomb, assuming you make about 12 bombs from the recipe:

  • Calories: ~150-180 kcal per bomb
  • Protein: ~10g
  • Carbohydrates: ~7g
  • Fat: ~11g
  • Fiber: ~1g

These values are based on using ground beef and regular breadcrumbs. The nutritional content will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use, but this should give you a general idea.

Tips for Success

  1. Cheese Variations: If you want to change up the cheese, try using mozzarella for a stretchy, melty center, or experiment with pepper jack for a spicier kick.
  2. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply freeze them on the baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes.
  3. Substitute the Meat: For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or even ground chicken. These alternatives work well in this recipe without compromising flavor.
  4. Spice It Up: For some heat, add chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
  5. Crispy Finish: For a more crispy finish, you can pan-sear the meatballs in a bit of oil before baking, which will give them a golden crust.

Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try with these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs:

  • Cheeseburger Casserole Style: Rather than making individual bombs, you can layer the meatball mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake it all together for a cheeseburger casserole.
  • Mini Burger Bites: Make smaller meatballs and serve them as party appetizers with cocktail toothpicks.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs: Add crispy bacon bits to the ground beef mixture for a smoky flavor.
  • Veggie Version: Make a vegetarian version by replacing the beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat, and use vegan cheese for the filling and topping.

Storage and Reheating

These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are great for meal prep or leftovers:

  • Refrigerating: Store leftover bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, allow the bombs to cool completely and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2–3 months in the freezer.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the bombs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 30-45 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs with the following:

  • Dipping sauces: Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy buffalo sauce for a kick.
  • Side dishes: Pair them with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.
  • For parties: Serve them as an appetizer on a party platter with toothpicks or as a main course alongside garlic bread and a cold drink.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are a simple yet indulgent treat that everyone in your household will love. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, satisfying picky eaters, or just having a fun family dinner. Plus, the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and juicy beef makes them a comforting dish that’s bound to become a favorite.

Enjoy making these cheesy, garlicky bombs and be prepared for a mouthful of deliciousness with every bite!