Cheddar Bacon Onion Bombs

Onion bombs are the ultimate comfort food I turn to when I want something deeply savory and a little indulgent for family dinners. Tender beef is seasoned just right and wrapped around a gooey cheddar core, then wrapped in sweet onion and bacon before baking until golden. It is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and always disappears fast at my table.

I first made these onion bombs for a backyard game night and my friends begged for the recipe My kids now request them for special occasions and I am always happy to oblige

Ingredients

• Yellow onions: The star of the show Use medium-sized ones and look for firm onions with shiny skin The two outer layers make the perfect shells for each bomb
• Lean ground beef: Go for a 93 percent to 7 percent blend for the best balance of juiciness and shape Avoid over-fatty beef or your bombs may become greasy
• Bread crumbs: Help bind the meat mixture Use fresh or plain store-bought for a consistent texture
• Large egg: Binds everything together Choose cage-free eggs if you can
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the beef Choose full-fat for best results
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite Sweet Baby Rays original is classic It adds sweetness and tang both inside and outside
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Boosts the beefy flavor Go for fresh spice jars for best taste
• Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all flavors Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Cheddar cheese cubes: Melty centers are the best Use sharp cheddar and cut into generous one-inch cubes
• Center-cut smoked bacon: Holds everything snug and adds tons of smoky richness Thicker bacon works best since it crisps nicely without overcooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

Slice the top and bottom off each onion then peel away the outer skin Cut each onion in half from top to bottom Carefully remove the two outermost layers from each half to use as the bombs shell You should end up with eight sets of large onion halves Keep them whole for later assembly

Mix the Meat Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl combine your ground beef bread crumbs egg whole milk three tablespoons of barbecue sauce garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper Use your hands or a wooden spoon to blend everything until fully and evenly incorporated Aim for a texture that sticks together firmly but is not overly wet

Portion and Shape the Meatballs:

Divide your seasoned beef mixture into eight equal portions Flatten one portion in your hand into a round disc about three to four inches wide Place a cheddar cheese cube in the center and wrap the beef around it making a sealed meatball Repeat with the remaining portions

Wrap with Onion Shells:

Place two matching onion halves around each meatball They should cover most of the surface of the meat and fit snugly Adjust the size of the onion pieces if needed to ensure a good fit

Wrap with Bacon:

Lay two slices of bacon in an x shape on your work surface Set your onion-wrapped meatball in the center Fold the bacon up and around the bomb covering as much as possible Secure with toothpicks if you need to keep the bacon in place

Bake the Onion Bombs:

Place your bacon-wrapped bombs on a foil-lined baking sheet Bake at four hundred twenty five degrees for thirty minutes Remove from the oven and brush the tops and sides with the remaining barbecue sauce Return to the oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes more until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized and a thermometer inserted into the center reads at least one hundred sixty degrees

Rest and Serve:

Let the onion bombs cool for about five minutes before serving This helps the cheese settle and keeps everything juicy

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My personal favorite part is the way the cheddar melts into the seasoned beef I always make a few extra and stash one aside for myself My kids love helping wrap the bacon and seeing the cheesy centers ooze when we cut into each bomb

Storage Tips

Let leftover onion bombs cool completely before storing Place in airtight containers in the fridge where they will stay fresh for up to four days For best results reheat in a low oven until warmed through This keeps the bacon crisp and the cheese melty

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a twist on the melty center Gluten free bread crumbs work perfectly for anyone avoiding wheat If you only have thick cut bacon it works just as well as center cut

Serving Suggestions

Serve these onion bombs with a side of roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad They also make a fantastic appetizer cut into wedges and served with extra barbecue sauce for dipping Around the holidays I even add them as a hearty option to the party buffet They are always the first to go

Cultural Context

Inspired by American barbecue traditions onion bombs rose to TikTok fame for their dramatic presentation and big flavors Versions of this recipe echo backyard cookouts and the flavor of classic meatloaf wrapped in a new and playful package These bombs are sure to become a new family memory at your table too

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep onion bombs from falling apart?

Wrap the bacon tightly and press the meat mixture firmly together to help the onion bombs hold their shape during baking.

→ Can I use a different cheese for the filling?

Yes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack work well as alternatives for a creamy, melty center.

→ What's the best way to get evenly cooked onions?

Use thick, uniformly sized onion layers and soak them in hot water briefly for easier handling and even cooking.

→ How do I know when the onion bombs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F, or check that the bacon is crisp and onions are easily pierced.

→ Can I prepare onion bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake to save time on busy days.