Prepare to experience a culinary transformation that blends the rustic charm of comfort food with the elegance of gourmet artistry. Introducing Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs – a tantalizing appetizer that will elevate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to indulge in a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all wrapped in a beautifully crafted package that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs
Imagine biting into a golden-brown, perfectly crisp bacon shell, only to be greeted by a burst of irresistible honey-infused barbecue sauce and a mouthwatering, tender pork filling. This innovative dish is a masterful blend of comfort and sophistication, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something truly special. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will tantalize your senses, while the visually stunning presentation will have your guests raving about your culinary prowess. Prepare to be the talk of the party as you serve up this elevated take on a classic comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
To create these Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, thick-cut bacon, which will form the delectable outer shell. You’ll also need ground pork, a blend of spices, honey, and your favorite barbecue sauce to craft the flavorful filling. A touch of brown sugar and a sprinkle of chopped scallions will add the finishing touches to this gourmet delight.
- 1 lb (450g) – Thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb (450g) – Ground pork
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Honey
- 2 tbsp – Chopped scallions
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Pork: Ground turkey or chicken — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Barbecue Sauce: Different varieties, from smoky to tangy — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs
Follow these simple steps to create your own delectable Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preparing your workspace and gathering all the necessary tools and ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully cut the bacon strips in half, then set them aside.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, brown sugar, your choice of spices, and a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce. Mix the ingredients until they are well-incorporated. Scoop a portion of the pork mixture and shape it into a ball, then carefully wrap a half-slice of bacon around the ball, overlapping the edges to form a tightly sealed shell. Repeat this process until all the pork mixture is used up.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the bacon-wrapped pork balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is cooked through. Remove the Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Once the Bacon Bombs have slightly cooled, drizzle them generously with the remaining barbecue sauce and a liberal amount of honey. Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately, allowing your guests to savor the irresistible flavors and textures of this gourmet comfort food creation.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pork mixture for a spicier kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Use a smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the filling for a deeper, more intense smokiness.
- Double-Wrapped Bacon: For an extra crispy and meaty experience, try wrapping the pork balls in an additional layer of bacon.
- Flavor Experimentation: Experiment with different types of barbecue sauces and honey varieties to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pork mixture and wrap the bacon shells a day in advance, then simply bake them right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Each Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bomb is a delightful indulgence, offering a satisfying balance of protein, sweet and savory flavors, and a touch of crunch. While they are made with high-quality ingredients, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 Bacon Bomb
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Bacon Bombs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork mixture and wrap the bacon shells a day in advance, then simply bake them right before serving for maximum freshness and crispiness.
How can I make these Bacon Bombs healthier?
To reduce the calorie and fat content, you can use a leaner ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, and opt for a reduced-sugar barbecue sauce. Additionally, you can bake the Bacon Bombs on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow the excess fat to drip off during cooking.
Can I freeze these Bacon Bombs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked Bacon Bombs for up to 3 months. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake the frozen Bacon Bombs directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What should I serve with these Bacon Bombs?
These Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs make a fantastic appetizer or snack, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with fresh vegetable crudités, creamy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich and indulgent flavors.
Can I make these Bacon Bombs vegetarian or vegan?
While the bacon is the star of this recipe, you can certainly adapt it to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets. Try using a plant-based meat alternative or a combination of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and seasonings to create a flavorful filling. For the “bacon” shell, you can use thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini, or even store-bought vegan bacon.
Try These Next
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- Sticky Honey Bacon Deviled Eggs Sharp Cheddar
Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Sticky Honey BBQ Bacon Bombs are the ultimate appetizer, combining crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound of bacon
1 pound of ground chicken
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
1/4 cup of honey
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a small ball of the chicken mixture, securing it with a toothpick.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs on a baking sheet.
5. In a separate bowl, mix BBQ sauce and honey, then brush it over the bacon bombs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken mixture in BBQ sauce for an hour before wrapping in bacon.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bombs
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg