Savory Onion Bombs Recipe

Welcome to a flavor explosion with these delectable Onion Bombs! If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine and impress your loved ones, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: seasoned ground beef stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, encased in layers of sweet caramelized onions, wrapped snugly in smoky bacon, and baked to crispy perfection. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings everyone together around the table.

I stumbled upon this Onion Bombs recipe online, and let me tell you, it has quickly become a family favorite in my household. Even my toughest food critic, my teenage daughter, couldn’t resist these savory delights. Her stamp of approval sealed the deal for me. With each bite, you get a burst of flavors that will have you craving more. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows for creative twists like adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or experimenting with different cheeses to suit your preferences.

Whether you serve these Onion Bombs as a satisfying main course with a side salad or as crowd-pleasing appetizers at your next gathering, they are sure to steal the show. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and indulge in the magic of these savory bombs that are bound to elevate your dining experience!

Quick Benefits

• Family-friendly meal: Encourages family members to engage at the dinner table and enjoy a delicious dish together.
• Versatile: Can be served as a main course with sides or sliced as appetizers for gatherings.
• Customizable: Experiment with different cheeses, BBQ sauces, and even ground turkey or added jalapeños for diverse flavors.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking, perfect for planning dinner parties or events.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Onion Bombs Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: These onion bombs are visually stunning and will impress your family and guests, making any meal feel special.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters, like the blogger’s teenage daughter, will enjoy these flavorful and cheesy meatballs wrapped in bacon and onion layers.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can experiment with different cheeses, BBQ sauces, and even add jalapeños for a spicy kick to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the onion bombs ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them, making them a convenient option for dinner parties or busy days.
• Perfect for Parties: These onion bombs can be served as a main dish with sides or cut in half to serve as appetizers, making them a versatile choice for gatherings.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce creates a delicious flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.

Ingredients for Savory Onion Bombs Recipe

Onion Wrapping

• 4 medium yellow onions (using outer 2 layers of each onion)
• 16 pieces center-cut smoked bacon

Meatball Mixture

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (93/7 blend)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s original)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cheese & Glaze

• 8 cheddar cheese cubes (1-inch sized)
• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce for brushing (Sweet Baby Ray’s original)

How to Make Savory Onion Bombs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

Trim the ends off the onions, peel off the outer skin, and cut each onion in half from top to bottom. Remove the 2 outer layers from each half to create 8 onion ‘shells’.

Step 3: Make the Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

Step 4: Portion the Meat

Separate the meat mixture into 8 portions, each weighing approximately 4 ounces, to ensure uniform size for the onion bombs.

Step 5: Form Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Press one portion of meat into a 3-4 inch disc in your palm. Put a cheese cube in the center and fold the meat around it, ensuring it is sealed completely to create a meatball.

Step 6: Add Onion Layers

Position two onion halves on each meatball, ensuring they cover most of the surface area. Select onion pieces that are suitable for the size of your meatballs.

Step 7: Wrap with Bacon

Arrange 2 bacon strips in an X shape, position the onion bomb in the middle, wrap bacon around it, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 8: First Bake

Transfer the prepared onion bombs to the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the onions are tender.

Step 9: Glaze and Finish

Take out of the oven and coat the tops and sides with the remaining ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the onion bombs to cool for 5 minutes before serving to prevent burns and help them hold together.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the onion bombs according to the recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the onion bombs cool down to room temperature before transferring them to the container. Stored properly, they should last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

If you want to prepare the onion bombs in advance for a dinner party or gathering, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This make-ahead option allows you to save time on the day of the event and simply pop the onion bombs in the oven when you’re ready to serve them. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re baking them straight from the fridge to ensure they cook through properly.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked onion bombs. Wrap each individual onion bomb tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through. This way, you can enjoy the delicious onion bombs whenever you’re craving them with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in the Onion Bombs recipe, you can customize the cheese used in the filling to suit your taste preferences. Consider using different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss for a unique flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, swap out the cheddar cheese cubes for pepper jack cheese cubes or add diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of the Onion Bombs, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey. Ground turkey offers a leaner option while still providing a delicious flavor when combined with the other ingredients. Just be mindful of adjusting the seasoning to ensure the flavors still shine through.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion with these onion bombs, consider setting up a DIY onion bomb bar for a party or gathering. Provide various cheeses, different types of bacon (like maple or hickory-smoked), and a selection of BBQ sauces for guests to customize their own onion bombs before baking. This interactive experience adds an element of fun and personalization to the meal, making it a memorable dining experience for everyone involved.

Another serving suggestion is to plate the onion bombs on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery mashed cauliflower. The rich and savory flavors of the onion bombs pair beautifully with the comforting and velvety texture of the mashed potatoes or cauliflower, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, elevating the presentation and overall dining experience.

FAQs for Savory Onion Bombs Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Can I prepare these onion bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the onion bombs and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This is especially convenient for dinner parties or prepping ahead for a weeknight meal.

How tightly should I wrap the bacon around the onion bombs?

It’s important to wrap the bacon snugly around the onion bombs to ensure they hold together during baking. Make sure the bacon is tightly secured to prevent any unraveling.

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it’s a great option for those looking for a leaner protein source.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Onion Bombs a try and see how they can elevate your dinner game just like they did for me. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them for a cozy family meal or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering, these Onion Bombs are sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – experiment with different cheeses, spice levels, and sauces to make it your own. And remember, even if they seem fancy, at the end of the day, these Onion Bombs are all about bringing people together over delicious food. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy the process of making something special for your loved ones.