Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls are the kind of game‑day snack, family appetizer, or party nibble that everyone raves about. These little flavor bombs combine the savory goodness of cheeseburgers with crisp bacon and a convenient mix base to streamline prep. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just looking for a fun twist on burgers, these bite‑sized treats are fast, make‑ahead friendly, and downright irresistible. In just a few simple steps, you can have a tray of cheesy, meaty balls ready to bake — no mess, no fuss, just pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Balls Recipe
- Super simple — With just a handful of ingredients including Bisquick™, this recipe is ideal for busy cooks or beginner chefs.
- Make‑ahead friendly — You can assemble the balls up to 12 hours in advance and bake when ready.
- Flavorful combination — Bacon, cheddar, beef, and a hint of pickle relish bring those classic cheeseburger flavors in miniature form.
- Versatile serving — Serve them as appetizers, game snacks, or even alongside a salad for a fun twist.
- Crowd-pleaser — The bite‑sized format means people can pop them in their mouth without needing utensils — perfect for parties or casual get‑togethers.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 oz)
- 12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- Ketchup and mustard (for serving or dipping, optional)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Impossibly Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 15 × 10 × 1‑inch baking pan (or similar rimmed sheet).
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except ketchup and mustard. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and holds together.
Step 3: Shape into balls
Form the mixture into 1‑inch balls (you should get quite a few). Place each ball into the prepared baking pan, spacing evenly but not too far apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Immediately remove them from the hot pan (so they don’t overcook or stick).
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping, or drizzle lightly over the balls if desired.
Make-Ahead Option
You may complete the recipe through Step 2 (assemble and shape into balls), then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to bake, uncover and bake as in Step 4. This is perfect for prepping the night before or earlier in the day.
Helpful Tips
- Even sizing: Using a cookie scoop or small melon baller helps ensure uniformly sized balls for consistent cooking.
- Drain excess grease: If your beef was juicy, you might blot the balls lightly before baking so they don’t sit in excess grease.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave a little space between balls so heat circulates for even browning.
- Cheese melt tip: If tops don’t brown as much as you like, you can broil briefly for 30–60 seconds—watch closely!
- Crunch factor: If you prefer a crisper exterior, bake on a wire rack over the pan so air moves underneath.
- Texture balance: If mixture seems too wet, add a light dusting of Bisquick; if too dry, moisten with a splash of milk.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese variations: Swap in Colby, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor notes.
- Meat mix: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork—but reduce added fat (omit or reduce bacon) accordingly.
- Bacon alternatives: Use turkey bacon or bacon bits for convenience.
- Relish swap: Replace dill pickle relish with chopped pickles or even pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Spice it up: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Mini slider style: Place a baked ball in a slider bun and top with a pickle slice, shredded lettuce, or tiny tomato wedge.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cheeseburger balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked balls on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes (if refrigerated) or 12–15 minutes (if frozen). You can also microwave individually (20–30 seconds) though texture may soften.
- Make‑ahead assembly: As noted, you may shape and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 100
- Total fat: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Total carbohydrate: 5 g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a platter with small skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Pair with a trio of dipping sauces: ketchup‑mustard mix, ranch, or spicy aioli.
- Accompany with crunchy veggies (celery, carrot sticks) to balance richness.
- Toss a few on top of a green salad or wedge salad to turn them into an entrée.
- Add as sliders in mini buns, topping with lettuce or pickles for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impossibly Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls
1. Can I make these gluten‑free?
Yes — you can substitute a gluten‑free baking mix equivalent to Bisquick (check labels). Use a one‑to‑one gluten‑free mix or your favorite gluten‑free flour blend plus a binder. Test a small batch first to adjust moisture.
2. Will they fall apart while baking?
If your mixture is too wet, the balls may lose shape. Ensure your ingredients are well mixed and not overly moist. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of extra Bisquick mix or a bit less milk to firm it up.
3. Can I skip the bacon?
You can omit bacon, but you’ll lose flavor and fat that contributes to richness. If you skip bacon, consider increasing cheese slightly and adding seasoning or a bit of cooked onion or bacon flavoring.
4. How many balls does this recipe make?
It depends on how precisely you size them. Using 1‑inch balls, you can expect somewhere in the ballpark of 50–60 balls (or more, depending on rounding and packing).
5. Is there a way to keep them from sticking to the pan?
Yes — well grease the pan or line it with parchment paper. Also, once baked, remove them promptly to prevent steam‑softening and sticking.
6. Can I add vegetables into the mixture?
You can fold in finely diced onions, peppers, or mushrooms—but keep the dice small so the balls hold shape and bake evenly.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Impossibly Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls recipe! I hope you enjoy how effortlessly the flavors of cheeseburgers and bacon fuse into a fun, bite‑sized treat that’s as simple to prep as it is satisfying to eat. It’s one of my favorite go‑to recipes when I want something flavorful, crowd‑friendly, and low stress. May your balls bake up golden, your guests ask for seconds, and your kitchen smell like savory heaven. Happy cooking — and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
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Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 50 balls 1x
Description
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Balls are bite-sized, cheesy, and packed with bacon and beef flavor. Perfect for parties, snacks, or make-ahead meals, these crowd-pleasers are easy to bake and even easier to devour.
Ingredients
3 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 oz)
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
¼ cup dill pickle relish
Ketchup and mustard (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 15 × 10 × 1‑inch baking pan (or similar rimmed sheet).
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except ketchup and mustard. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and holds together.
Step 3: Shape into balls
Form the mixture into 1‑inch balls (you should get quite a few). Place each ball into the prepared baking pan, spacing evenly but not too far apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the balls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Immediately remove them from the hot pan (so they don’t overcook or stick).
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping, or drizzle lightly over the balls if desired.
Make-Ahead Option
You may complete the recipe through Step 2 (assemble and shape into balls), then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to bake, uncover and bake as in Step 4. This is perfect for prepping the night before or earlier in the day.
Notes
Use a cookie scoop for even portions.
Add spices like smoked paprika or onion powder for extra flavor.
Can be frozen after baking and reheated as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g