Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s something playful and downright comforting about food that surprises you inside — like these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. The first time I made them, I was trying to recreate a fancy cheeseburger experience but wanted something more shareable and fun. That restaurant-style cheeseburger flavor, wrapped up in a golden, bakery-style bun, was exactly what I had in mind for a cozy family movie night.
I still remember pulling the first batch out of the oven, the garlicky Parmesan topping making the whole kitchen smell like heaven. When I tore one open and saw the gooey cheddar stretching from the juicy beef filling, I knew we’d struck gold. They were warm, satisfying, and so easy to hold — which meant no plates needed while we snuggled up on the couch. Ever since, these cheeseburger bombs have become a family tradition whenever we want something cozy and special, but easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Quick Ingredient Snapshot
- Ground Beef (80/20): Stays juicy and flavorful inside the bread pocket.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into that classic cheeseburger goodness.
- Garlic Butter: Brushed over the tops for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite on top of the bombs.
- Soft Dough or Brioche Rolls: Holds in all that cheesy, meaty filling.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
These Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are soft golden buns stuffed with juicy ground beef, melted cheddar, and topped with garlicky Parmesan butter. They’re the perfect cozy appetizer, game-day snack, or easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough rounds
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Drain any excess fat. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted. Let cool slightly.
- Flatten each biscuit dough round with your hands or a rolling pin until about 4 inches across. Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef-cheddar mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, forming a ball.
- Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Brush generously over each dough ball.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and shiny.
- Optional: sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love a warm, cheesy, satisfying bite that feels like something you’d get from a bakery or burger joint, these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs will make you so happy. They’re perfect for kids because they’re handheld and not messy, and grown-ups love that garlicky, buttery flavor on top. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and pop them in the oven whenever the craving strikes.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Let’s talk beef first. An 80/20 blend gives you a nice juicy filling that stays moist without turning greasy. Season it simply with salt, pepper, and a little onion powder if you like. If you’d like more details on safely handling ground beef, the USDA’s Ground Beef and Food Safety page is a great resource with tips on cooking temperatures and storage.
The cheese is classic cheddar, but you could use Monterey Jack or a mild mozzarella if you’d like a more mellow flavor.
For the bread, any soft dinner roll or brioche dough works beautifully. If you’re in a rush, even store-bought pizza dough can do the trick.
Finally, that garlic-Parmesan butter is what truly makes these bombs shine. A bit of melted butter mixed with minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan, brushed over the tops before baking, takes them straight to bakery-level goodness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
Preparing the Filling
Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it well, then stir in shredded cheddar until it gets nice and gooey. Set it aside to cool just a bit — this helps the filling stay put inside the dough.
Shaping the Bombs
Roll out your dough into circles a bit bigger than your palm. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture into the center. Pinch the dough closed around it, then place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
Garlic Parmesan Topping
Melt a bit of butter and stir in minced garlic plus freshly grated Parmesan. Brush this generously over the tops of the bombs, making sure to get all the edges. You can even sprinkle a little chopped parsley if you want a fresh pop of green.
Baking
Pop them in a 375°F oven until they’re golden brown and shiny, usually about 15–18 minutes. Let them rest a few minutes before biting in — they will be molten hot!
Recipe Don’ts
Don’t overfill them — too much beef and cheese can break the dough.
Don’t skip pinching the dough seams tightly, or you’ll have leaks in the oven.
Don’t forget to cool the filling slightly before wrapping, or it can make the dough soggy.
Don’t underbake them — the golden crust is essential for that bakery-style finish.
Variations You’ll Love
Expert Tips, Swaps & Storage Advice
What to Serve This With
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are amazing on their own, but I love putting them next to a simple side salad or a pile of sweet potato fries.
For drinks, mint lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice is a perfect, refreshing pairing.
They also work beautifully on a game-day snack table with other finger foods, like my BBQ Sausage Bites or grilled veggies.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bombs a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
What’s the best cheese for the filling?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the most flavor, but you can try Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you like.
How do I reheat them?
Bake in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving will make them soft instead of crisp, so the oven is best.
