Description
Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Bites! These bite-sized meatballs are a delightful combination of savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky, crispy bacon – all smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatloaf bites are sure to become the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – for the juicy, meaty base.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – to help bind the meatballs together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for the gooey, melty surprise inside.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce – to add that delectable sweet and tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – for a subtle aromatic kick.
- 1/4 cup milk – to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- 1 large egg – as a binder to hold everything together.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for an irresistible savory note.
- 1 tsp salt – to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – for a touch of warmth.
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half – to wrap around the meatballs for that smoky, crispy goodness.
- Extra BBQ sauce for brushing – to coat the meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, onion, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they’re well incorporated.
Shape the Meatballs
Take a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture and gently shape it into a small, uniform meatball, about 1 inch in diameter. This size ensures the perfect bite-sized morsel.
Wrap in Bacon
Carefully wrap a half slice of bacon around each meatball, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. This not only adds a delightful smoky flavor but also helps the bacon stay in place while baking.
Bake to Perfection
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Brush with Extra BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatloaf bites with an extra layer of BBQ sauce for a stunning sheen and even more flavor.
Notes
Serving with Style
Once the Cheesy BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter or plate, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
These meatloaf bites make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or any gathering. They also work wonderfully as a main dish, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the meatloaf bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs wrapped in bacon for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the original baking instructions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatloaf bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg