Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are the ultimate little bites of cheesy, meaty goodness wrapped in soft dough. They’re packed with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, plenty of garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan that adds a nice touch of flavor. These tasty pockets are perfect for when you want something fun, handheld, and full of familiar burger flavors without the mess of a regular burger.
I love making these for parties or game days because everyone can grab one (or three!) and enjoy them without needing a plate or fork. Plus, they’re super easy to pop in the oven, so there’s less time cooking and more time relaxing with friends. A little tip I’ve learned is to make sure the dough is sealed tight so none of that gooey cheesy filling leaks out while baking.
One of my favorite ways to serve these cheeseburger bombs is with a side of ketchup and a little extra garlic butter melted over the tops right when they come out of the oven. It’s a simple trick that takes them from tasty to totally irresistible. If you’re craving that classic cheeseburger flavor but want to try something different and fun, these bombs are definitely the way to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80% lean beef for juicy, flavorful bombs. You can swap for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but add a bit of oil so it stays moist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds good flavor. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack if you want a little spice.
Dough: Biscuit dough is my favorite for a soft, fluffy crust. Pizza dough works well too if you want a chewier texture. Gluten-free dough is a solid choice for dietary needs.
Garlic & Parmesan Butter: This mixture creates a delicious golden crust. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will do. Nutritional yeast can substitute Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
How Can I Seal the Dough Well to Keep the Cheese Inside?
Sealing the dough tightly is key so no cheese leaks out while baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Flatten the dough into a circle before adding filling – about 4 inches diameter works great.
- Place the meatball with cheese right in the center.
- Fold the edges up around the filling, then pinch and twist the dough at the top to seal completely.
- Press edges gently but firmly so no gaps remain.
- Use a little water or beaten egg as “glue” on the dough edges if needed for a stronger seal.
Following these tips helps you get perfectly round bombs with no messy leaks, and a soft, tasty crust all around.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use it because it holds all the bombs in place while baking evenly. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for combining the beef mixture and melted butter without mess.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion the beef filling evenly so each bomb is the same size.
- Rolling pin (optional) – makes flattening the dough easy and quick.
- Pastry brush – great for spreading garlic Parmesan butter on top for extra flavor and shine.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick that pairs well with the garlic butter.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap ground beef for cooked sausage or turkey for a different meaty taste.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or favorite burger spices to the beef mixture for extra complexity.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Dough:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
For The Garlic Parmesan Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Other:
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time to mix, shape, and assemble your cheeseburger bombs. Baking time is around 18 to 22 minutes. Plan for a little extra cooling time after baking, about 5 minutes, before enjoying these delicious bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Beef Filling:
In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
2. Form The Cheeseburger Meatballs:
Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal parts. Flatten half of these into small patties and place a spoonful of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each. Cover with the remaining patties, sealing the edges tightly around the cheese, forming meatballs that will hold the melted cheese inside.
3. Preheat Oven & Prepare The Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using biscuit dough, separate it into individual pieces. Flatten each piece into a round disk approximately 4 inches wide, which will wrap around the meatballs.
4. Assemble The Cheeseburger Bombs:
Place each meatball in the center of a dough disk. Fold the dough up and around the meat, pinching the edges firmly so the filling stays inside during baking. Make sure there are no gaps or openings.
5. Prepare Garlic Parmesan Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and parsley. This mixture will give the cheesy bombs their flavorful golden crust.
6. Bake The Bombs:
Place the assembled bombs seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously brush the tops with the garlic Parmesan butter. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the dough is golden and the beef is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C). Brush again with the garlic butter halfway through baking to enhance flavor and color.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the bombs cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger dipping sauces for an irresistible treat!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before using. This ensures even cooking and easier mixing with the seasonings.
What Can I Substitute for Biscuit Dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough, pizza dough or crescent roll dough work well too. Just flatten the dough pieces to about 4 inches in diameter before wrapping the filling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cheeseburger bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bombs, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with the garlic Parmesan butter right before putting them in the oven.