Description
Bite-sized meatloaf bombs packed with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a spicy bang-bang sauce. Perfect as a fun appetizer, party snack, or indulgent comfort food, these meatloaf bites deliver gooey, savory satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes 12–14 meatloaf bombs):
For the Meatloaf Bombs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional for extra juiciness)
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Bang-Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice)
1 teaspoon lime juice
Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
Chopped green onions
Extra crispy bacon crumbles
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender.
Step 3: Form Meatloaf Bombs
Take a small handful of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a pinch of cooked bacon and shredded cheddar in the center, then fold meat around the filling and roll into a tight ball. Repeat for all portions.
Step 4: Bake
Place the meatloaf bombs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through and juices run clear. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness on top.
Step 5: Make Bang-Bang Sauce
While meatloaf bombs bake, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle bombs with bang-bang sauce, sprinkle with chopped green onions and extra bacon crumbles. Serve hot as an appetizer or alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a full meal.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble bombs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes.
- Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Crispier Bacon: Wrap each bomb in a half-slice of bacon before baking for extra bacon flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Baked / Stuffed
- Cuisine: American