If you’re looking for the kind of appetizer that gets people crowding around the kitchen before dinner’s even ready, Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bombs are where it’s at. These bite-sized wonders are everything you want in a game day snack—crispy turkey bacon on the outside, gooey cheddar on the inside, with a tangy barbecue glaze that ties it all together in the best way possible.
I first made these for a backyard football party a couple of summers ago, and let me tell you—they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. I was barely able to sneak one for myself! Since then, they’ve become a go-to for everything from tailgates to holiday potlucks. What I love most about them is how simple they are to put together, but they feel like such a treat. They’re rich, bold, and incredibly satisfying—all wrapped up in soft biscuit dough and finished with that irresistible BBQ shine.
These bombs combine all the best flavors: sharp cheddar, smoky turkey bacon, soft flaky biscuit, and a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s like all your favorite comfort foods decided to team up for the ultimate flavor experience. And the best part? They’re made with easy, store-bought ingredients—no fussing with dough from scratch or fancy techniques. Just assemble, bake, and serve!
So whether you’re hosting a party, prepping snacks for a big game, or just want something savory and indulgent for movie night, these Bacon Bombs need to be on your radar. Let’s dive into how to make them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
8 slices of turkey bacon, cooked until just crisp and cut in half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cubed cheddar
½ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for dipping
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
STEP 1: PREP YOUR OVEN AND BAKING SHEET
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F. You’ll want a lined or lightly greased baking sheet—parchment paper works great here and helps avoid sticking, especially with that sticky-sweet barbecue glaze.
STEP 2: FLATTEN THE BISCUIT DOUGH
Crack open that can of biscuit dough and separate the individual rounds. Using your hands or the bottom of a glass, press each round out a bit so they’re wide enough to hold the cheesy filling. You’re basically creating a little pocket for all the good stuff.
STEP 3: ADD THE CHEESE AND BBQ SAUCE
Now for the fun part—cheese! Place either a small cube of cheddar or a pinch of shredded cheddar in the center of each flattened dough round. Both options are delicious, but if you want that dramatic cheese pull when you bite into one, go with cubed cheddar.
Spoon just a little barbecue sauce over the cheese—not too much, or it’ll get messy when you wrap it up.
STEP 4: WRAP AND SEAL
Fold the edges of the biscuit dough up and around the filling, pinching the seams to seal it completely. You want a nice tight ball so nothing leaks out while baking. Once sealed, roll them gently between your hands to smooth them out.
STEP 5: BACON TIME!
Take a half-slice of your pre-cooked turkey bacon and wrap it around each dough ball. Tuck the ends under the bottom so they stay in place. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just make sure the turkey bacon is snug and holding its shape.
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bombs: Finishing Touches, Baking Tips & Variations
Welcome back! Now that we’ve got our cheesy biscuit balls all wrapped up in smoky turkey bacon, it’s time to bake them into those crispy, melty bites of heaven. This next part is where everything comes together—melty cheese, golden dough, and that sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze on top. Honestly, this is the part where your kitchen starts smelling incredible, and people will start hovering, wondering when they can snag one.
I’ll also share a few helpful tips I’ve picked up after making these a dozen (okay, maybe more) times. Whether it’s how to get the turkey bacon just right or ways to switch up the flavors, there’s a lot you can tweak to make these bombs perfect for your crowd.
Let’s jump back in and get these baked!
STEP 6: BRUSH WITH BBQ SAUCE AND SEASON
Place each turkey bacon-wrapped bomb seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps keep everything sealed up during baking, and the bottoms will get a nice crisp finish.
Now grab a pastry brush or even the back of a spoon and give the tops a generous brush of barbecue sauce. This not only adds flavor but also helps the turkey bacon get that sticky, caramelized finish we all love.
Add a little freshly ground black pepper on top. No need for salt here—the turkey bacon and cheese bring plenty of that savory punch already.
STEP 7: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Pop the tray into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a few key things here:
The biscuit dough should be puffed and golden brown.
The turkey bacon should look crisp and cooked through.
The cheese may ooze just a bit—that’s okay! It means deliciousness.
If your oven runs hot or your turkey bacon is extra thick, keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark. You don’t want burnt tops, but you do want everything nicely cooked.
STEP 8: COOL SLIGHTLY AND SERVE
Once baked, let the bombs cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. This not only makes them easier to handle, but it also helps the cheese set just a bit so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
If you like, sprinkle a few chopped chives on top for a pop of color and a little fresh flavor. Serve them up with a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
Tips for the Best Bacon Bombs Every Time
Making these is pretty foolproof, but here are a few tips that can take them from great to incredible:
Par-cook your turkey bacon: The key is to cook it just enough that it’s pliable but not crispy. If you wrap raw turkey bacon, it might stay soggy by the time the biscuits are done. I cook mine in a skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes, just until the fat starts rendering.
Use cubed cheddar for a gooey center: Shredded cheddar melts into the biscuit, which is still tasty, but cubes give you that stretchy, molten cheese pull when you bite in.
Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pack in as much cheese as possible, but too much filling can lead to messy leaks. A small cube (about ½ inch) or a loose tablespoon of shredded cheese is the sweet spot.
Swap in other cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a flavor twist. Just make sure it’s a good melter.
Try different sauces: Classic barbecue is a crowd-pleaser, but you could experiment with spicy chipotle BBQ, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce for a totally different vibe.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips
One of the most common questions I get is whether these can be made ahead—and the answer is yes! While they’re definitely best fresh from the oven, here’s how to handle leftovers or prep in advance:
Make-ahead (unbaked): You can assemble the bombs, cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
Reheat leftovers: If you have any left (lucky you!), reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. This helps keep the turkey bacon crispy—microwaving works too, but things may get a little soggy.
Cheddar BBQ Bacon Bombs: FAQs & Final Thoughts
You’ve seen how easy and delicious these Cheddar BBQ turkey Bacon Bombs are to make, and by now, your kitchen probably smells amazing if you’re making them alongside reading. Before we wrap up, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions that pop up when it comes to this recipe. Whether you’re prepping for a party, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving something savory and cheesy, these tips and answers will help you get it just right every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes! You can assemble the bombs and freeze them unbaked. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
2. What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
You can use any kind you love! A classic sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is always a safe bet, but spicy or tangy varieties can add a whole new layer of flavor. Try a chipotle or honey BBQ for something a little different.
3. Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely. While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby, or even gouda. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
4. My bacon didn’t get crispy. What went wrong?
It’s likely that the turkey bacon was too thick or not pre-cooked enough. Be sure to partially cook the turkey bacon beforehand—it should be pliable but not raw. Thick-cut turkey bacon may take longer to crisp up, so consider using regular sliced bacon for best results.
5. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, you can definitely make your own biscuit dough if you prefer homemade over canned. Just roll out the dough and cut it into small portions about the same size as store-bought biscuit rounds. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the dough’s thickness.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is your best friend here. Pop the bombs into a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the turkey bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough rubbery and the turkey bacon soft.
7. Can I serve these at room temperature?
They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh, but they can sit out for an hour or two during a party and still taste great. Just know the texture won’t be quite the same as when they’re fresh out of the oven.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Bacon Bombs
There’s just something irresistible about this recipe. It’s not fancy or fussy—but it is the kind of food that brings people together. Whether you’re serving them as a game day snack, passing them around at a holiday get-together, or sneaking a few for a late-night bite, Cheddar BBQ turkey Bacon Bombs deliver every single time.
I’ve made these for everything from birthday parties to casual dinners with friends, and they’re always the first thing to disappear. They’re rich, flavorful, and satisfyingly cheesy, with just the right balance of smoky turkey bacon and sweet BBQ sauce. And the best part? You don’t need a lot of time or effort to make them.
So go ahead—give them a try and see just how quickly they become a favorite in your household too. If you do end up making them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment, let me know what kind of cheese or sauce you used, or share your own tasty twist on this crowd-pleasing recipe.
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Cheddar BBQ Turkey Bacon Bombs
Description
Cheddar BBQ turkey Bacon Bombs are the ultimate savory snack or party appetizer. Each bite delivers a burst of melty cheddar cheese wrapped in smoky turkey bacon and coated in tangy barbecue sauce, all encased in soft biscuit dough. These little bombs are rich, indulgent, and packed with bold flavor—perfect for game day, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy, meaty treat.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
8 slices of turkey bacon, cooked until just crisp and cut in half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cubed cheddar
½ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for dipping
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Separate the biscuit dough into individual rounds and flatten each piece slightly with your hands. Place a small amount of cheddar cheese in the center of each piece.
Spoon a small amount of barbecue sauce over the cheese, then fold the biscuit dough up and around the filling, pinching to seal completely. Roll gently into a ball.
Wrap each dough ball with a half slice of turkey bacon, securing the ends underneath. Place the bombs seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with additional barbecue sauce and season with a bit of black pepper. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is cooked through and the dough is golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
You can use either shredded or cubed cheddar depending on your texture preference—cubed gives a gooey center, while shredded blends into the biscuit more. Par-cook the turkey bacon just enough so it’s pliable; fully cooked turkey bacon won’t wrap well, and raw turkey bacon might not crisp up by the time the biscuit dough is done. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
