Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are little pockets of deliciousness filled with juicy cheeseburger goodness, melted cheese, and a garlicky Parmesan kick. The outside is golden and crispy, giving such a satisfying crunch before you get to the savory filling. These bites bring together two favorites—cheeseburgers and garlic Parmesan—in a fun, easy-to-handle way.
I love making these for casual get-togethers or when I want a tasty snack that feels special but comes together pretty quickly. Plus, they’re super customizable—you can add your favorite burger toppings inside or swap cheeses based on what you like. For me, the garlic Parmesan coating is the magic touch that makes these bombs impossible to stop munching on.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of ketchup or a creamy dipping sauce to dip each bomb into. They make a perfect finger food for game day or a movie night with friends. Honestly, these little bites always disappear fast, and I find myself planning the next time I’m going to make a batch almost right after finishing the last one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the filling. I like to use 80/20 beef for good flavor and juiciness. If you want leaner, turkey or plant-based ground meat works too.
Cheese: The mix of mozzarella and cheddar melts nicely and adds creaminess plus sharpness. Feel free to swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Swiss, and cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little kick.
Dough: Refrigerated pizza or biscuit dough is perfect for wrapping these bombs. If you prefer, you can use homemade dough or crescent roll dough. Just make sure it’s easy to seal around the filling.
Garlic and Parmesan: Fresh garlic adds the most flavor to the butter, but garlic powder can also be used if you want a milder hint. Parmesan gives a nice crispy topping—try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How Do I Seal the Dough to Keep the Filling Inside?
Sealing the dough well is key to keeping all that cheesy, meaty filling inside while baking.
- Start by flattening each dough piece into a disc large enough to hold the filling with some extra around the edges.
- Put the filling in the center, then gently bring the dough edges up around it.
- Pinch the edges tightly together, making sure there are no gaps.
- You can also press the seam closed with your fingers or the back of a spoon for a better seal.
- Placing the seam side down on the baking sheet helps stop it from opening during baking.
Taking your time with this step makes your cheeseburger bombs neat and keeps the melty cheese from leaking out. And that means more delicious bites for you to enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the bombs while they bake evenly and get golden brown.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Large skillet – to cook the ground beef evenly and mix in the spices.
- Small bowl – great for mixing the garlic butter coating.
- Rolling pin – helps flatten dough pieces evenly so they wrap smoothly around the filling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that’s still tasty.
- Add some chopped sautéed mushrooms into the filling for extra earthiness and moisture.
- Mix in spicy pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a gentle but fun kick.
- Stir finely diced onions or pickles into the beef mix to bring classic burger flavors inside.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Dough and Topping:
- 1 package (11 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time cooking the beef, assembling the dough bombs, brushing them with garlic butter, and baking until golden and melty inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease and let the meat cool slightly.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter Topping:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic. This will be brushed over the dough bombs for delicious flavor and a golden crust.
3. Assemble the Cheeseburger Bombs:
Roll out the pizza or biscuit dough on a floured surface and cut into equal-sized pieces. Flatten a piece of dough into a disc and add a spoonful of cooked beef in the center. Top with a mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside and shape into a round ball. Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down on a lined or greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4. Add Garlic Butter and Parmesan, Then Bake:
Brush each dough ball generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cheeseburger bombs from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Let them cool slightly before serving, as the melted cheese inside will be very hot. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup or mustard.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature and soften slightly so it’s easier to roll and seal around the filling.
Can I Make These Cheeseburger Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dough bombs, then place them on the baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, brush with garlic butter and bake as usual, adding a couple extra minutes to cook through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cheeseburger bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! You can swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles. Add diced onions, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms to pack more flavor inside. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique twist.