Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 4 dill pickle chips, chopped
• 4 ounces Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 9 slices bacon
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, ketchup, mustard, and chopped dill pickle. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Take a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture and wrap it around a cube of Cheddar cheese. Roll it into a ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
4. Cut each slice of bacon in half widthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise to create 4 strips from each slice. Wrap each meatball with one strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or pressing the bacon tightly into the meatball to keep it in place. If needed, use extra strips of bacon to wrap some meatballs twice.
5. Place half of the bacon-wrapped meatballs in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the meatballs and cook for another 6 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs and repeat with the remaining batch.
6. Once all the meatballs are cooked, sprinkle them with sesame seeds and serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Cooks Note: While cooking, some cheese might leak out. After reheating leftovers the next day, consider adding more cheese on top and broiling them for a delightful twist!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	586
Total Fat	40g (51% DV)
Saturated Fat	16g (82% DV)
Cholesterol	201mg (67% DV)
Sodium	1458mg (63% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	5g (2% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2% DV)
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	48g (97% DV)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% DV)
Calcium	266mg (20% DV)
Iron	4mg (22% DV)
Potassium	645mg (14% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients.

The Fascinating Story Behind Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites

Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are a modern American culinary creation that blends two of the nation's favorite comfort foods: the cheeseburger and crispy bacon. While the exact origin is unclear, these bite-sized treats became popular in the early 2000s, coinciding with the rise of party appetizers and finger food culture. Their invention was likely driven by the desire to create a handheld, indulgent snack that could serve as both a conversation starter and a decadent treat at social gatherings.

Regional Variations and Influences

While these bites are enjoyed nationwide, regional differences reflect local tastes. In the Southern United States, for example, they may be enhanced with smoky barbecue sauce or jalapeo slices for an extra kick, reflecting the region's love for bold flavors. In contrast, in the Midwest, a simpler approach with classic Cheddar and bacon is common, highlighting hearty, traditional American flavors. Coastal regions sometimes experiment with gourmet twists, incorporating specialty cheeses like Havarti or blue cheese, or even using artisanal bacon.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Though reminiscent of traditional meatballs or sliders, Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites stand out due to their multi-layered flavor and textural combination. Unlike a standard meatball, each bite contains a molten Cheddar core and is enveloped in bacon, giving it a crispy, savory exterior. They also differ from mini cheeseburgers because they do not include buns or toppings like lettuce and tomato, focusing purely on the meat-cheese-bacon trio for maximum flavor intensity.

Where They Are Typically Served

These bites are commonly found at parties, tailgates, and casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme. Restaurants specializing in appetizers or gastropubs occasionally feature them on menus as shareable plates. Additionally, they have become a popular option for holiday buffets and game-day spreads due to their portability and visual appeal.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The combination of bacon and cheeseburger ingredients was initially popularized through social media cooking videos, where presentation and flavor had to impress in a few seconds.
• Air fryers have contributed to their rise in popularity by making it easy to achieve crispy bacon without excess grease.
• These bites are often served with creative dipping sauces, ranging from spicy sriracha mayo to tangy barbecue sauce, adding a customizable flavor dimension.
• Despite their small size, a single serving can contain upwards of 500 calories, making them a rich, indulgent treat.
• They are considered a fusion of American comfort food with the modern emphasis on snackable, bite-sized dishes.

In conclusion, Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites are more than just a snackthey represent a playful, inventive approach to traditional flavors. Their rise in popularity demonstrates the enduring appeal of combining familiar ingredients in unexpected, bite-sized formats.

FAQ about Bacon Wrapped Cheeseburger Bites Recipe