GARLIC PARMESAN CHEESEBURGER BOMBS ULTIMATE

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy dough that gives way to a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger filling, all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and parmesan. These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are about to become your new go-to snack, appetizer, or even a fun twist on dinner, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy (and addictive!) they are to make!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheeseburger Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This proves that your yeast is active!
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for that light and airy texture!

Preparing the Cheeseburger Filling:

1. While the dough is rising, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Let cool slightly. This prevents the cheese from completely melting and becoming oily.

Assembling the Cheeseburger Bombs:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. This ensures even baking and consistent size.
4. Roll each piece of dough into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball into a 4-inch circle.
6. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheeseburger filling in the center of each circle.
7. Bring the edges of the dough up and pinch to seal, forming a bomb shape. Make sure they’re sealed well to prevent filling from leaking out!
8. Place the bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Adding the Garlic Parmesan Magic & Baking:

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Brush the tops of the cheeseburger bombs with the garlic parmesan mixture.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary!
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Cheeseburger Bomb Perfection

• Yeast Activation is Key: Make sure your yeast is active by testing it with sugar and warm water. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is dead, and your dough won’t rise.
• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the dough can make it difficult to seal and cause the bombs to burst during baking.
• Proper Sealing is Crucial: Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to prevent the filling from leaking. A little water on the edges can help them stick together better.
• Prevent Sticking: Parchment paper is your best friend! It prevents the bombs from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Garlic Levels: Adjust the amount of garlic in the topping to your liking. If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and add an extra clove or two!
• Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Pepper jack, provolone, or even a little bit of blue cheese can add a unique flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheeseburger filling for a little heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and the cheeseburger filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bombs.
• Freezing for Later: These freeze beautifully! Bake as directed, let cool completely, and then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Pizza Bombs: Use pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives) for a pizza-inspired twist. You might also want to check out Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bombs for some inspiration!
• Buffalo Chicken Bombs: Shred cooked chicken and toss it with buffalo wing sauce and cream cheese for a spicy and creamy filling.
• Philly Cheesesteak Bombs: Use thinly sliced steak, sauteed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired bomb.
• Jalapeño Popper Bombs: Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and bacon bits for a spicy and cheesy filling.

What to Serve With Your Cheeseburger Bombs

These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides and sauces.

• Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo are all great options.
• Salads: A simple green salad or a classic coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory bombs.
• Fries: A side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Vegetable Sticks: Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for a healthier option.
• Soup: A bowl of tomato soup or French onion soup is a comforting accompaniment.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Garlic Parmesan Tortellini: Another garlic parmesan delight!
• Cheesy Meatball Subs: A classic comfort food that’s always a hit.
• Cheeseburger Pie: A fun and easy twist on the classic cheeseburger.
• Crack Burgers: Warning: Highly addictive! Also check out these Crack Burgers for a similar, flavorful experience.

The Bottom Line: These Are a Must-Try!

These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun weeknight dinner. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some seriously delicious and unforgettable treats. You’ve got this!