Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are little pockets of pure deliciousness, packed with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and a perfect hit of garlic and parmesan. These bites have a crispy golden crust on the outside and a gooey, cheesy center that makes every bite a treat. They’re the kind of snack or meal that gets everyone excited—simple ingredients coming together in a fun and tasty way.
I love making these cheeseburger bombs when I want a cozy, handheld meal that feels like a special treat but doesn’t take forever to prepare. My favorite tip is to really load them up with extra cheese and a sprinkle of fresh garlic powder before baking, so they come out perfectly flavorful. I also find that serving them with a side of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce makes them even better—something about dipping those cheesy little bombs just can’t be beat.
These cheeseburger bombs are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or just a casual weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without the fuss. I always get asked for seconds, and I can’t blame anyone—it’s hard to resist that combo of garlic, parmesan, and cheeseburger goodness all wrapped into one bite. They’re a fun twist on a classic burger and sure to become a quick favorite in your house too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. You can swap with ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option, but add a bit of oil to keep it moist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor. If you prefer, mozzarella or Monterey Jack work well too for a milder melt.
Garlic & Parmesan: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch, while garlic powder adds an even flavor inside the meat mix. Parmesan on top adds a delicious crispy crust—use pre-grated if you’re short on time.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or slider buns hold everything perfectly. You can use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough for a different bite and quicker prep.
How Do I Keep the Cheese Inside From Melting Out?
One key step is sealing the cheese inside the meat patty well. Here’s how:
- Flatten the meat evenly before placing the cheese.
- Add a smaller patty on top, gently pressing edges to seal completely.
- Shape into a tight ball ensuring no gaps or holes.
- Chill the stuffed meat balls for 10-15 minutes before baking to firm them up.
These tricks help the cheese stay inside while baking, so it melts perfectly without leaking out and drying the meat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or ovenproof dish – I use it because it holds all the buns closely together for even baking.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for combining the ground beef and seasonings easily.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – helps ensure the beef is cooked to a safe 160°F without overcooking.
- Brush or spoon – to apply the garlic butter evenly over the buns.
- Kitchen knife – useful for slicing buns and chopping chives or green onions for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for more spice and meltability.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms into the beef for extra flavor and texture.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or paprika into the meat mixture for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and savory twist or add sliced pickles inside the buns for crunch.
Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauces for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Meat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a round or square baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is combined but be careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Forming the Cheeseburger Bombs:
Divide the meat into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a small patty that fits inside your slider buns. Place some cheese on each patty, then cover with a little more ground beef. Carefully shape each into a tight ball, making sure the cheese is fully sealed inside.
3. Assembling and Baking:
Slice the slider buns horizontally without cutting all the way through or split dinner rolls if using. Place one stuffed beef ball inside each bun. Arrange the buns close together on your baking sheet or dish so they bake evenly.
Mix the melted butter with minced garlic and brush this garlic butter generously over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns turn golden and the meat is cooked through.
4. Finishing Touches and Serving:
Take the cheeseburger bombs out of the oven and sprinkle chopped chives on top for freshness and color. Let them cool just a bit before serving so they’re warm and perfectly gooey inside.
Serve with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible treat.
Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the bombs a few hours before baking. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake fresh when ready. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture perfectly.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
Feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor and melt. Just make sure the cheese melts well to get that gooey center.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the buns crispy and the cheese melted.
Can I Use Frozen Buns or Meat?
If using frozen buns, thaw them completely at room temperature or in the fridge before assembling. For ground beef, use fresh or fully thaw frozen beef in the fridge overnight for best results.