Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: The Ultimate Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: Prepare to have your taste buds explode with flavor! Imagine biting into a soft, golden-brown, buttery roll, only to discover a juicy, perfectly seasoned cheeseburger nestled inside, infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and Parmesan. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience!

While the exact origins of stuffed burger “bombs” are debated, the concept of encasing savory fillings in dough has been around for centuries, appearing in various cultures worldwide. Think of the Italian calzone or the Russian pirozhki – portable pockets of deliciousness. These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs take that concept and give it a modern, all-American twist.

What makes these little bombs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy dough gives way to a savory, cheesy, garlicky burger filling. They’re incredibly convenient, too! Perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Kids and adults alike adore them, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to become a hero in your kitchen with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 8 slices cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1/4 cup milk or egg wash (for browning)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Beef Mixture

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs – the flavorful beef mixture! This is where we build that delicious, savory base that will make these bombs irresistible. I like to use an 80/20 ground beef blend because it has enough fat to keep the burgers juicy and flavorful, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it might become dry.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the beef tough.
2. Season generously: Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! The seasoning will mellow out during cooking, so you want to make sure the beef is well-flavored. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust to your taste.
3. Mix until just combined: Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
4. Form into balls: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. I find it easiest to use a kitchen scale to ensure they are all the same size, but you can also eyeball it. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

Assembling the Cheeseburger Bombs

Now for the fun part – assembling our cheeseburger bombs! This is where the magic happens, and we transform simple ingredients into these delightful, cheesy pockets of goodness. The key here is to work carefully and ensure that the dough is sealed properly to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking.

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bombs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the pizza dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 8 equal squares.
3. Stuff the dough: Take one square of pizza dough and gently stretch it out a bit. Place one beef ball in the center of the square. Top the beef ball with four cheddar cheese quarters.
4. Seal the bombs: Bring the corners of the dough up and over the beef and cheese, pinching them together to seal. Make sure the seams are tightly sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. If the dough is too dry to seal properly, you can lightly moisten the edges with a little water.
5. Place on baking sheet: Place the sealed cheeseburger bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough squares, beef balls, and cheese.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our cheeseburger bombs to golden-brown perfection. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this stage is simply divine. We’ll also add some finishing touches to make them extra special.

1. Brush with milk or egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk or egg wash. Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the milk or egg wash. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.
2. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with additional grated Parmesan cheese and sesame seeds (if using). The Parmesan cheese will create a crispy, golden crust, and the sesame seeds will add a touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheeseburger bombs are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Melt butter and brush: While the bombs are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Once the bombs are out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter. This will add richness and flavor.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the cheeseburger bombs with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the beef: Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• 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: To ensure the beef is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
• Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cheeseburger bombs and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Get creative with fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. You can add bacon, jalapenos, or other toppings.

Variations

• Pizza Bombs: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken Bombs: Use shredded cooked chicken and mix it with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
• Breakfast Bombs: Use cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of juicy, seasoned ground beef, that gooey, melted cheese center, and the incredible garlic parmesan crust is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, of course!).

But why are these little bombs a must-try? Well, beyond the explosion of flavor in every bite, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Think about it: perfect for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. They’re portable, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving these with a side of marinara sauce for dipping – it complements the garlic parmesan flavor beautifully. But you could also try a creamy ranch dressing, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple ketchup and mustard combo.

For variations, get creative! Want to add some heat? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. Craving something a little different? Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could even add some finely chopped mushrooms or onions to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

And don’t forget about the cheese! While I’m a huge fan of classic cheddar, you could experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack would add a nice kick, mozzarella would create a super stretchy and gooey center, or provolone would offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor.

These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are truly customizable to your own taste preferences.

But here’s the real kicker: the garlic parmesan crust. It’s what takes these cheeseburger bombs from good to absolutely amazing. The crispy, savory, garlicky goodness is the perfect complement to the juicy filling. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Just a simple mixture of melted butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a few other seasonings.

So, what are you waiting for? I urge you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.

And once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.