Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top for even cooking, if available.
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
3. Stuff the Burger Bites:
- Take a small portion of the beef mixture (about 1½ tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cheese cube in the center and wrap the beef around it, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
- Wrap each burger bite with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
5. Bake the Burger Bites:
- Place the bacon-wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the beef is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
6. Optional Broiling:
For extra crispiness, broil the burger bites for 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
Remove the toothpicks, if desired, and serve the burger bites warm with barbecue sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion
These Cheese-Stuffed Bacon Burger Bites pack big flavor into a small package. With the perfect combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party platter, and watch them disappear in no time!