Cheeseburger Bombs

Cheeseburger bombs are, dare I say it, the bomb! Take all the flavor of a juicy bacon cheeseburger and wrap it in a warm, golden biscuit. Then bake it until it’s fluffy and melty, and POW—it explodes with savory goodness. These little hamburger bombs are crispy, gooey and indulgent with a filling of beef, bacon, onions, pickles and cheddar. They somehow manage to bring a taste of drive-thru magic to your kitchen.

These cheeseburger biscuit bombs pull double duty. Serve them warm as a playful appetizer recipe, or turn them into a full-on meal with fries and milkshakes for a retro, diner-style dinner that’ll make you the hero of Tuesday night. If your family is obsessed with cheeseburgers, these bombs are kid-approved, party-perfect and just the right amount of messy fun for little hands to help assemble.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Bombs

• Ground beef: Beef is your protein powerhouse and the classic base for any good cheeseburger. When browning ground beef, use an 80% lean blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture. It’s lean enough to avoid grease overload, but rich enough to stay juicy in the biscuit.
• Onion: Onions add mellow sweetness and savory depth, mimicking the caramelized onions on some diner burgers. Dice them small so they melt right into the filling.
• Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon delivers smoky flavor and a salty crunch that takes these from basic to bomb. Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite or precooked bacon for an easy shortcut.
• Burger sauce: The holy trinity of burger condiments—ketchup, mustard and dill pickle relish—turns your filling into a saucy, savory homage to every great cheeseburger you’ve ever loved.
• Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits: These ready-to-bake biscuits are the vehicle that wraps everything up. Buttermilk-style biscuits have a tender, flaky texture that bakes to golden perfection. Roll each biscuit out into a 5-inch circle, which leaves plenty of room for filling.
• Cheddar cheese: You can’t have a cheeseburger without cheese! Cheddar adds a sharp, melty center that stretches when you pull the biscuit apart. Choose freshly shredded cheese; it melts more smoothly than bagged shredded cheese.
• Egg: Brushing the tops of your bombs with beaten egg before baking gives them a golden, glossy finish—like a burger bun fresh off the griddle. It also helps your sesame seeds stick.
• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds on the bun are optional but iconic. Just a sprinkle gives these bombs a classic burger bun look with a little toasted nuttiness on top.

Directions

Step 1: Make the filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender, three to four minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain off extra fat and moisture.

Stir in the bacon, ketchup, mustard and pickles, and let the mixture cool slightly.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t skip draining the beef—you want the filling to be rich, not soggy!

Step 2: Stuff the biscuits

On a lightly floured surface, roll each biscuit into a 5-inch circle.

Add 1 tablespoon of cheese to the center of each biscuit.

Top the cheese with 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture.

Bring the biscuit dough over the filling to the center, and pinch the dough to seal the filling inside. Place the cheeseburger bombs, seam side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Editor’s Tip: Pinch tight! A firm seal keeps the cheesy goodness from escaping in the oven.

Step 3: Bake to golden perfection

Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Sprinkle the burger bombs with sesame seeds. Bake them until they’re golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Cheeseburger Bombs Variations

• Add barbecue flavors: Go heavy on the bacon and add your favorite barbecue sauce for an even bolder flavor.
• Make it a pizza bomb: Use mozzarella instead of cheddar, and add pepperoni and marinara sauce to the filling. Think pizza rolls, but with more sass.
• Change the protein: For a lighter twist on the classic, use lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese. Mix chorizo into the beef for a kicky Mexican-inspired burger. Or try plant-based patties for a veggie version.

How to Store Cheeseburger Bombs

Store your baked hamburger bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To avoid soggy bottoms, let them cool completely before packing them up.

Can you freeze cheeseburger bombs?

Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger bombs. Let them cool thoroughly, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen bombs to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating them.

How do you reheat cheeseburger bombs?

Reheat cheeseburger bombs in a 350° oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them, but they’ll lose their crispiness.

Can you make cheeseburger bombs ahead of time?

Cheeseburger bombs are a great dish to make ahead of time. Assemble the burger bombs a few hours ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. You can also freeze unbaked bombs and bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Cheeseburger Bombs Tips

Can you make cheeseburger bombs in another type of pan?

You can make cheeseburger bombs in a muffin tin for more uniformly round, puffy bombs. Just spray the pan with nonstick spray so they release easily.

What can you serve with cheeseburger bombs?

Keep dinner classic with a side of french fries, onion rings or sweet potato tots. Or make it a party with a side of In-N-Out sauce (trust me) or even mini milkshakes for a burger-night blowout. Try pairing cheeseburger bombs with these classic diner foods or make a batch of homemade potato wedges for dipping.