Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: Prepare to have your taste buds detonated with flavor! Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, buttery crust, only to be greeted by a juicy, perfectly seasoned cheeseburger filling, infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and Parmesan. These aren’t your average sliders; they’re a handheld explosion of comfort food that will have everyone begging for more.
While the exact origins of stuffed bread “bombs” are a bit hazy, the concept of encasing savory fillings in dough has been around for centuries, appearing in various cultures worldwide. Think of Italian calzones, Russian pirozhki, or even good old-fashioned empanadas. These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs take that time-honored tradition and give it a distinctly American twist, combining the universally loved cheeseburger with the savory goodness of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
What makes these little bombs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy dough gives way to a burst of savory, cheesy, beefy goodness. They’re incredibly convenient for parties, game days, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, who can resist the allure of garlic and Parmesan? The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water. Get ready to experience a new level of cheeseburger bliss!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparing the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! This is what will give your cheeseburger bombs their delicious flavor.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meat tough.
- Once the mixture is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the mixture easier to handle. I usually let it sit for an hour if I have the time.
Assembling the Cheeseburger Bombs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cheeseburger bombs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- While the oven is preheating, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You want to roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal squares.
- Take one square of dough and gently stretch it out a little bit.
- Place a generous spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the meat mixture in the center of the dough square.
- Top the meat mixture with a cube of mozzarella cheese.
- Now, carefully bring the corners of the dough square up and over the meat and cheese, pinching them together to seal the filling inside. Make sure the seams are tightly sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough squares, meat mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Place the assembled cheeseburger bombs on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Leave a little space between each bomb to allow for even baking.
Baking the Cheeseburger Bombs:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil.
- Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the butter-oil mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious flavor.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with extra grated Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheeseburger bombs are golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C). I always use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- Remove the cheeseburger bombs from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cheeseburger bombs warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. They’re also delicious on their own!
- These are great as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner.
- You can also customize the filling with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as diced onions, pickles, or bacon.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- If you don’t have pizza dough, you can use crescent roll dough instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheeseburger Bombs:
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in tough cheeseburger bombs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the meat mixture. Chilling the meat mixture makes it easier to handle and helps the flavors meld together.
- Seal the dough tightly. Make sure the seams of the dough are tightly sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let them cool slightly. Let the cheeseburger bombs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving to prevent burning your mouth!
Variations and Substitutions:
These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Cheeseburger Bombs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs: Cook and crumble some bacon and add it to the meat mixture. You can also wrap the cheeseburger bombs in bacon before baking for an extra smoky flavor.
- Pizza Cheeseburger Bombs: Add some pepperoni slices and pizza sauce to the meat mixture for a pizza-inspired twist.
- Vegetarian Cheeseburger Bombs: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of cooked lentils and chopped vegetables.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Swiss.
- Different Herbs and Spices: Add different herbs and spices to the meat mixture, such as oregano, basil, or smoked paprika.
- Different Doughs: Use different types of dough, such as crescent roll dough or puff pastry. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs can be made ahead of time, which makes them perfect for parties or busy weeknights. Here’s how to do it:
- Assemble the cheeseburger bombs as directed in the recipe.
- Place the assembled cheeseburger bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the butter-oil mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
Freezing Instructions:
You can also freeze these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for longer storage. Here’s how:
- Assemble the cheeseburger bombs as directed in the recipe.
- Place the assembled cheeseburger bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cheeseburger bombs for at least 2 hours, or until solid. This prevents them from sticking together when you store them.
- Once frozen, transfer the cheeseburger bombs to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen cheeseburger bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the butter-oil mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C). You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they are frozen.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per cheeseburger bomb
- Fat
Conclusion:
Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve read this far, and your stomach is probably already rumbling! These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re the perfect blend of comfort food nostalgia and exciting new flavors, all wrapped up in a convenient, poppable package. Seriously, what’s not to love?
I know there are a million burger recipes out there, but trust me when I say this one is different. The garlic parmesan crust adds a savory, cheesy depth that elevates the humble cheeseburger to a whole new level. It’s the kind of flavor combination that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Just simple, straightforward steps that even a beginner cook can master.
But the real magic of these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs lies in their versatility. They’re fantastic as a party appetizer, a fun weeknight dinner, or even a portable snack for road trips. Imagine bringing a batch of these to your next potluck – you’ll be the star of the show!
Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a simple bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a truly decadent experience, try dipping them in a creamy garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. The possibilities are endless!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some variations? Try adding some crispy bacon bits to the filling for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Or, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You could even add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick! Get creative and make them your own!
I truly believe that these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves good food and easy cooking. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and they’re so much fun to make.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And when you do make them (because I know you will!), please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone loved them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a picture of your delicious creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite of these amazing Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs! I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: The Ultimate Recipe Guide
Easy cheeseburger bombs with ground beef, garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, wrapped in pizza dough and baked until golden. Great as an appetizer, snack, or dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour).
- Assemble the Cheeseburger Bombs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 equal squares.
- Stretch one square of dough slightly. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Top with a cube of mozzarella cheese.
- Carefully bring the corners of the dough up and over the meat and cheese, pinching them together to seal the filling inside. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Place the assembled cheeseburger bombs on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, leaving space between each.
- Bake the Cheeseburger Bombs: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the butter-oil mixture. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- Chilling the meat mixture makes it easier to handle.
- Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Variations: Add cayenne pepper for spice, bacon, pepperoni, or use different cheeses. Plant-based meat can be used for a vegetarian option.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Assemble, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
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