These garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs are packed with juicy, seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and wrapped in golden, flaky dough that bakes up perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside. They’re brushed with garlic butter and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan for an irresistible, savory finish. Whether you’re planning for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or just need a crowd pleasing snack, these are the kind of comfort food with a fun twist that always hits the spot.
I first made these on a snowy weekend when we were all craving something cozy, hearty, and a little indulgent, but without standing over the stove flipping burgers. These little bombs checked every box. My kids devoured them in minutes, my husband asked for seconds (and thirds), and now they’ve earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. They’re quick, easy to make, and really delicious !
Table Of Contents
What Are Cheeseburger Bombs?
Cheeseburger bombs are a fun twist on the classic burger. Instead of serving the beef and cheese on a bun, everything is wrapped in a dough, like a pocket, and baked or air fried. Think of them as burger filled pastries that are crispy outside, with a melty and gooey inside.
Why You’ll Love this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe
➤ Rich Flavor: This recipe makes use of smoked gouda and caramelized onions for rich, layered flavor.
➤ Very Cheesy: Double stuffed with two kinds of cheese for maximum gooeyness.
➤ Crisp on the Outside: Rolled in a panko-parmesan crust for that crunch in every bite.
➤ Easily Adjustable : You can adjust with different fillings of your choice and options for using an air fryer, oven, or even grill.
➤ Easy to prep ahead: Freeze before baking for a quick snack anytime.
➤ Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
➤ It’s a Perfect blend of juicy burger and gooey cheese
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Use 85/15 for the best texture. Ground turkey or plant-based meat also work.
- Smoked Gouda and Sharp Cheddar Cheese: These two cheeses blend to create a rich, goey, flavorful filling. You can swap smoked gouda for mozzarella or provolone if you prefer a milder taste.
- Caramelized Onions: Add sweetness and depth to the filling. If you want to vary the flavor, sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers work well as alternatives.
- Pizza or Biscuit Dough: Provides the soft, golden exterior and houses the filling. You can use store bought or homemade biscuit dough. Puff pastry is a great alternative for a flakier texture. For gluten free diets, look for gluten free dough options.
- Steak Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These enhance the savory depth of the beef filling. Worcestershire sauce or ketchup can be used as substitutes depending on your taste preferences.
- Pickles: Adds a tangy crunch. Optional, but highly recommended.
- Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this easy. Pizza or crescent dough are fine alternatives. Garlic Parmesan Butter: Combines melted butter, minced garlic, parmesan, and parsley for a rich flavor.
Complete list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below . . .
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Quick Overview
➤ Brown ground beef with onion and seasoning.
➤ Mix in cheese and pickles.
➤ Stuff biscuit dough with filling and seal.
➤ Brush with garlic parmesan butter.
➤ Bake until golden and crispy.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
Slowly cook the onions in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 mins until they are soft, deeply browned, and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the steak sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, herbs, mustard, and pickles (if using). Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the cheese and mix until well combined.
2. Preheat Oven & Shape the dough
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a circle using your hands or a rolling pin. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Stuff the Bombs
Add a spoonful of the filling at the center of the dough, fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan , melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic and allow it to infuse for a minute or two to release garlic’s aroma and flavor before brushing the mixture onto the bombs.
5. Coat the Bombs
Brush each bomb generously with garlic butter. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and a teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (optional). Roll each buttered bomb in the panko-parmesan mixture. pressing lightly to adhere.
6. Cook the Bombs
Place bombs with the sealed edges facing down seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 -18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Finish and Serve
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Gently take off the parchment paper to prevent tearing. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle parsley.
Tips for Best Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
- Chill the filling slightly before stuffing the cheeseburger bombs to avoid tearing the dough.
- Press the seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Use a silicone brush for even butter coating.
- Bake on parchment for easy clean up.
- For even browning, rotate the baking tray halfway through.
Quick Make Ahead Tip
You can fully assemble the cheeseburger bombs, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, brush with garlic butter, coat with the panko parmesan mix, and bake as directed. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked bombs on a tray until solid. Then transfer to a ziplock bag. There is no need to thaw before baking. Just add an extra 5 to 7 minutes to the cook time.
Additions & Variations
- Add bacon bits or chorizo to the filling for smoky flavor.
- Include pickles or jalapeños inside for tang or heat.
- Use pizza dough or puff pastry for a different texture.
- Roll bombs in sesame or poppy seeds for a burger bun look.
- Make mini slider sized garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs for parties.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
➤ Store Garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs by refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or once cooled, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
➤ Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 – 8 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy
Pro Tip
Flash freeze the cheeseburger bombs before long term storage. Place them unwrapped on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 – 2 hours until solid. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. This double layer method helps prevent freezer burn and maintains better texture when baked later.
Serving Suggestions
➤ Ranch, Spicy mayo, or Garlic aioli for dipping
➤ Classic fries or Sweet Potato Wedges.
➤ Light salad or Coleslaw on the side
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bombs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- 2 tbsp steak sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda cubed
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or jalapeños optional
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Dough & Coating
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough or homemade garlic knots dough
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning optional
- Flaky salt for finishing
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling Slowly cook the onions in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 mins until they are soft, deeply browned, and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.Stir in the steak sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, herbs, mustard, and pickles (if using). Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the cheese and mix until well combined.
- Preheat Oven & Shape the dough Open the can of biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a circle using your hands or a rolling pin. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stuff the Bombs Add a spoonful of the filling at the center of the dough, fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter In a small saucepan , melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic and allow it to infuse for a minute or two to release garlic’s aroma and flavor before brushing the mixture onto the bombs.
- Coat the Bombs Brush each bomb generously with garlic butter. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and a teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (optional). Roll each buttered bomb in the panko-parmesan mixture. pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook the Bombs Place bombs with the sealed edges facing down seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Finish and Serve Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. off the parchment paper to prevent tearing. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle parsley.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Serving: Per Bomb (approx.) | Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 460mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes)
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different meat ?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant based meat all work well.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
Make sure the dough is tightly sealed and seam-side down while baking.
What’s the best cheese to use for maximum gooeyness?
American or mozzarella melts the best, but cheddar offers the most flavor.
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, but it should be soft and pliable. Avoid dense or dry doughs.
Can I cook them in the air fryer instead of the oven?
Definitely. Cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through. If you love air fryer snacks, you can also check out this cheeseburger egg rolls too.
Related Recipes
- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders (Sheet Pan Style)
- Garlic Butter Stuffed Breadsticks
Do You Like this Recipe ?
Please take a few seconds to leave a star rating below and/or a comment! Your feedback is appreciated.
