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These garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs bring the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger and warm, buttery garlic bread together in one delicious bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day snacks, each bomb is packed with savory beef, gooey cheese, and brushed with dreamy garlic parmesan butter. They are so simple to assemble and even easier to devour.
The first time I rolled these up, I was looking for a comfort snack my family could eat while watching movies. Now my kids always ask for “burger bread balls” on weekends.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: look for an 80 percent lean blend for the juiciest filling
- Finely chopped onion: gives sweet flavor and moisture
- Fresh garlic: brings bold aroma and depth
- Salt and black pepper: essential seasoning for beef
- Worcestershire sauce: provides umami richness
- Cheddar cheese: cubed or shredded melts inside each bite stick to sharp cheddar for punchy flavor
- Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough: lets you shape the bombs fast and evenly
- Butter: melted for that glossy bakery finish
- Garlic powder: amplifies the garlic butter flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese: dusts each bomb with a savory crust buy real Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results
- Fresh parsley: an optional garnish for color and freshness pick lively green stems at the grocery
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and place parchment on a sheet pan for easy cleanup
- Cook the Beef Filling:
- Brown ground beef with finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat Stir and break up the beef Every bit should lose its pink color and the onions should soften This usually takes about five to six minutes Once everything is cooked turn off the heat and let the filling cool a few minutes
- Shape the Dough:
- Open your biscuit or pizza dough Separate into equal pieces and flatten each one into rounds about three to four inches wide Use your hands or a rolling pin for this step
- Fill the Bombs:
- Spoon a tablespoon of the slightly cooled beef mixture onto the center of each dough round Place a piece or pinch of cheddar cheese right on top This makes sure each bite is filled with cheesy goodness
- Seal and Arrange:
- Carefully fold the dough edges up and around the filling Then pinch and seal the seam Place each bomb seam side down on your lined pan so they keep their shape
- Bake:
- Slide the pan into your oven Bake the bombs for fifteen to eighteen minutes They should puff up and turn a deep golden brown across the tops
- Mix Garlic Parmesan Butter:
- As the bombs bake stir together melted butter garlic powder and Parmesan in a small bowl This mixture will go on the bombs while they are hot
- Finish and Serve:
- As soon as the bombs come out of the oven brush them with the garlic Parmesan butter While still warm and glossy you can sprinkle with chopped parsley if you have it nearby Serve right away with your favorite dipping sauces
My favorite part is sneaking in a layer of spicy pepper jack cheese It reminds me of backyard cookouts where everyone built their perfect burger This hands-on recipe is always a hit with my family especially when we serve it straight from the oven
Storage Tips
Store leftover cheeseburger bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the outside crisp Avoid microwaving if you love a crusty exterior You can also freeze the fully baked bombs in a single layer until solid then move them to a zip bag They can be baked straight from frozen just add three to five minutes to the bake time
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version use ground turkey or ground chicken You can also sub part skim mozzarella or pepper jack for cheddar if you want different flavors For a homemade touch use your own biscuit dough or pizza dough from scratch Fresh jalapeño or sliced pickles add extra zing inside each bomb
Serving Suggestions
Serve cheeseburger bombs with classic burger sauces like ketchup mustard or mayonnaise Try spicy sriracha mayo or chipotle sauce for an adult kick On a party tray add a bowl of crisp pickles or pepperoncini alongside for contrast These are terrific as a kid friendly dinner with a side of carrot sticks or as a centerpiece on your next appetizer spread
Cultural and Historical Notes
This recipe was inspired by playful takes on American cheeseburgers with a nod to stuffed bread traditions like empanadas and kolaches The garlic parmesan finish borrowed from classic garlic bread makes these extra comforting The concept of stuffing dough is loved in so many cultures especially for gatherings
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer add fresh diced tomatoes and chopped pickles to the filling before sealing In fall try mixing in sautéed mushrooms or roasted red pepper with the beef For the holidays sprinkle a bit of rosemary on top with the Parmesan butter
The first time I served these right from the freezer for a playdate they were a massive hit My friends still ask for the recipe and the kids all agree warm cheeseburger bombs beat any drive-through burger
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the dough from tearing when filling?
Ensure the dough is flattened to an even thickness and avoid overfilling. Pinch the edges firmly to seal each bomb before baking.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss can be substituted or mixed for a unique flavor and melt.
- → What is the best dipping sauce to serve with these?
Classic choices are ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce, but ranch or spicy aioli also pair well with the cheesy filling.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat in a warm oven for best texture.
- → Can these be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, bake the bombs, let them cool, then freeze. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until heated through and crisp.
- → How can I customize the flavor?
Add chopped pickles, jalapeños, or swap seasonings in the meat. Try everything bagel seasoning for a crunchy topping twist.