Cheesy Bacon Bombs - An Explosion of Flavor

Get ready for an explosion of savory, cheesy flavor! Cheesy bacon bombs take all your favorite appetizer ingredients - bacon, cheese, jalapenos - and wrap them up into irresistible bite-sized morsels. These flavor-packed bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or game day gathering. Read on to learn how to make these crowd-pleasing appetizers.

What are Cheesy Bacon Bombs?

Cheesy bacon bombs consist of cream cheese and shredded cheese enveloped in bacon and sometimes pickled jalapenos for extra tang. The bacon is wrapped tightly around the cheese mixture and secured with a toothpick to form "bombs".

When baked or fried until the bacon is crispy, the melted cheese filling oozes out for an savory, indulgent treat that always disappears fast!

Benefits of Making Cheesy Bacon Bombs

Some of the best things about cheesy bacon bombs include:

• Bursting with savory flavors
• Fun, creative appetizer
• Easily customized
• Perfect for parties and game day
• Kid-friendly recipe

These tasty morsels take your apps up a notch!

Ingredients

To make cheesy bacon bombs you will need:

• Bacon strips
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack
• Jalapeño slices (optional)
• Toothpicks

See the instructions below for amounts and how to prepare the filling.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to make cheesy bacon bombs:

Make Filling

Mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and any desired seasonings like cayenne or paprika until thoroughly combined.

Wrap Bombs

Scoop 1 Tablespoon filling and wrap in bacon strip starting from one end. Poke in toothpick to hold.

Bake or Fry

Bake at 400oF 20 minutes until crispy or fry 3-4 minutes per batch until browned.

Enjoy!

Let cool slightly and remove toothpicks. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy interior!

Flavor Variations

Get creative with different fillings ideas like:

• Blue cheese and cooked bacon crumbles
• Jalapeño popper with cream cheese and shredded pepper jack
• Pizza flavors with marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella
• Buffalo chicken with shredded chicken and buffalo hot sauce
• Chili cheese bomb with chopped chilis, cheddar, chili powder

Cooking Methods

You can cook cheesy bacon bombs by:

• Baking in the oven
• Frying in oil on stovetop
• Cooking in an air fryer
• Grilling indirectly on BBQ

All ensure crispy bacon and melted cheese!

Serving Suggestions

These bombs pair perfectly with:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
• Marinara sauce for dunking
• Celery sticks and carrot chips
• Baguette slices or crackers

A mustard or cheese fondue also makes a fun pairing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assemble uncooked bombs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
• Cook just before serving for warm, crispy bombs
• Store leftover cooked bombs in fridge up to 5 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer to crisp up

FAQs

How many bombs does one package of bacon make?

One pound of bacon will yield approximately 15-20 bombs.

Can I freeze the uncooked bacon bombs?

Yes, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag.

How long does it take to cook the bombs?

Approximately 20 minutes in a 400°F oven, less if frying in oil.

Can I make bite-sized bacon bombs?

Absolutely! Use less filling and halve the bacon strips for mini bombs.

What kinds of bacon work best?

Standard sliced bacon is preferred. Thick cut may be harder to wrap around the filling.

Fire Up a Batch of Cheesy Bacon Bombs

These savory, cheesy, bacon-wrapped appetizers are sure to satisfy any hearty appetite. Customize with your favorite fillings and dips then get ready for the rave reviews! With endless flavor possibilities in each bite, cheesy bacon bombs will be the hit of your party or game day menu.